Simviation Forums

I started using Flight Simulator 2004 about a month ago and have been hooked since. I've sticking to the smaller single engine craft. I can land them using ILS, but I am usually a little off center of the runway. I always seem to be chasing the needle left and right when I am in the glideslope unless I use the approach function in the auto pilot. Any tips for flying the glideslope so I am not always correcting left and right? At first I thought it was attributed to the wind, but I flew with no wind and the same thing happened. Any help is appreciated...

Best I could say is to turn down the sensitivity on your rudder and aileron axis or perhaps widen the slop zone.  double check your trim b4 approach.  the flight dynamic in 2004 does leave a bit to be desired.  Are you flying the default a/c mostly?  If so, I think there is a flight dynamic fix available for download but I'm not sure. I hardly ever fly the default planes.  Remember also that the torque modeling can also affect your straight line handling.  Real a/c can drift laterally on calm days also due to engine torque.  Check how the jets track a glide slope also. Torque effect isn't evident in jets.

I fly some of the default Cessna's, but notice the same problem with the planes I've downloaded from Mike Stone's site. I'll look around for the flight dynamic fix and see if that helps...

Thanks for the info!

Well, i definatley think that Fs2002 has more correct flight dynamics.  I think COF took a major step back in that area.  I don't know why MS doesn't design a blade element style program to model flight dynamics as X-plane utilizes.  I know it works as is evidenced by the FAA training certifications that X-plane has won.  I tell you.  If Austin Meyer ever makes the interface more friendly and prettys up the scenery a bit X-plane will bypass FS.

Biggest tip for you... don't over correct.  When you are flying, it should be small inputs not large.   It sounds like when you see the needle starting to stray you are chasing it, until it starts to come back.   By this point you have to make another big correction to catch up to the needle.  Ofcourse depending on crosswind... do not make huge corrections to the needle.  I would venture a guess no more than 5 degrees.  Make a correction let the needle start to come back and as it is coming back gradually put the aircraft back on center line.

Just my opinion.  Ofcourse I am not in the cockpit with you, but from what you described, this could help.

[quote]Well, i definatley think that Fs2002 has more correct flight dynamics.

Guilty as charged.  ::) I do tend to overcorrect. I'll try to make more subtle corrections and see if that helps. I can land perfectly with the APR turned on, but that takes all the fun out of the landing.

When you think you have it mastered try cross wind approaches, although it is easier if you have a device other than the keyboard or auto rudder to control the rudder with. The best money I ever spent was for the rudder peddals they defently make it easier but it still takes a lot of practice you have to learn how to crab.
There are some lessons for this you can learn a lot from them but skip any check ride as they have more bugs in them than a old hotel

[quote]It sounds like when you see the needle starting to stray you are chasing it, until it starts to come back.