Simviation Forums

I'm paying big dues to the FS98-FS2004 switch.  ::)
All kinds of mishaps happened during my first few FS9 flights.
Today for instance: I am continuously switched between a control center and the other, not staying "with them" long enough to set the altimeter.
Then I am cleared to land on an ILS approach. Pity there is no ILS on the runway I'm assigned to. So I had to land manually, using the GPS to localize the airport.
Yesterday, instead, I followed most carefully the vectors given to me, only to find that they were leading me straight away from the localizer, at a 15 degrees angle AWAY from the loc.
I surely am the worst possible pilot as of now; but I think there is something wrong in the built-in ATC. Possibly?

Heya FridayChild,

There has been much discussion about the FS 2004 ATC and its quirks here at SimV.  Just to let you know you're not alone.  My FS 2004 ATC at times has also vectored me in weird directions.  When this happens, I usually just reload my IFR flightplan with my present altitude.  This resets IFR and ATC usually begins acting normally.

A few things that may help, FridayChild.

1. The quick way to reset the altimeter is to press 'B'.

2. FS9 ATC seems to be programmed on the assumption that you are going fairly slowly - certainly, not exceeding the normal 250KIAS limit below 10,000 feet. If you go too fast you can sometimes 'overrun' the ATC vectors. I find it's best to reduce the speed to say 240KIAS as soon as you start the descent.

3. A lot of airports have two parallel runways - one with ILS and one without. Easy to confuse say 'Runway 24L' with 'Runway 24R'. If you press the button for the ATIS before you call up ATC, it should tell you clearly which runway is in use, and whether the approach is ILS or 'Visual'. Another option, if you're assigned a visual approach, is to request another runway from ATC. But don't count on them always being obliging - in that respect FS9 is only too 'realistic'!  :).

The only problems I have ever had with ATC vectors is when you have to go around because of traffic on the runway. Every time ATC takes me a long way from the airport before it finally vectors me back. I know that in the real world a missed approach or a go around is different at each airport and there is a specific pattern you must fly before you are vectored back to the airport. This might explain some of the strange approaches that ATC uses, But not all of them.  8)

No wonder you can't get good help these days.  Think about what the poor ATC are getting paid!  It's not even worth mentioning.  And talk about a "cubicle" for an office!  

best,
...........john  

Hey! Nobody pays me either... and you should see my cockpit!  ;)

Trust in ATC-the weird vectors they give you eventually work themselves out.  There has only been one instance, in 650 hours of logged IFR flight, where ATC has actually screwed me over.  Just stick with it

I know it sounds weird, but I ensure you; I was right on path; the localizer was about 30 degrees on my right; and they made me turn left to intercept it...

I know it sounds weird, but I ensure you; I was right on path; the localizer was about 30 degrees on my right; and they made me turn left to intercept it...

I believe you, but did you stick with it?

If you didn't, chances are ATC would've given you a return vector.

Ahh the wonders of "AI" ATC   I live in Tucson AZ therefor i fly KTUS ALOT  i watch the planes fly right over my house and turn left for approach   fly it and i turn right..  FS2004 does a great job with ATC and just rember this is only the 2nd microsoft FS game with virtual ATC  give them time   there are 1000000's of airports each with a diffrent approach   sometimes they screw up