Simviation Forums

G'day guys,

Sorry for the dumb question - tried some searching on the net and couldn't find what I was looking for.

For Airports which only have one ILS for the runway - how do I fly a back-course approach?

Can you please explain in dumb-dumb language and let me know if I can get a glideslope and localizer or just a localizer?

Thanks guys for your help!
Stew

There is no glide-slope with a "back-course"..The theory is to just fly it like a localizer-only approach (i.e. no glide-slope), except the localizer is backwards.

If you have basic equipment; like a basic Nav-radio and simple ILS-capable VOR head (gauge).. instead of "chasing" the needle to keep it centered, you "run" from it.

If you have an HSI, you can dial in the ILS heading (even though you're landing heading will be the inverse).. then at least your left/right information is correct.. you just have to ignore the directional reference.. You see here, I'm on runway 34, where the ILS is for runway 16

G'day guys,

Sorry for the dumb question - tried some searching on the net and couldn't find what I was looking for.

For Airports which only have one ILS for the runway - how do I fly a back-course approach?

Can you please explain in dumb-dumb language and let me know if I can get a glideslope and localizer or just a localizer?

Thanks guys for your help!
Stew

And don't ever let someone tell you there is a glideslope on the localizer backcourse, even if the needle is moving.  We used to have an instructor that taught if the needle picked up a glideslop indication, you could use it.  It is a false signal and could send you into the ground.

G'day guys,

Sorry for the dumb question - tried some searching on the net and couldn't find what I was looking for.

For Airports which only have one ILS for the runway - how do I fly a back-course approach?

Can you please explain in dumb-dumb language and let me know if I can get a glideslope and localizer or just a localizer?

Thanks guys for your help!
Stew

And don't ever let someone tell you there is a glideslope on the localizer backcourse, even if the needle is moving.

G'day guys,

Sorry for the dumb question - tried some searching on the net and couldn't find what I was looking for.

For Airports which only have one ILS for the runway - how do I fly a back-course approach?

Can you please explain in dumb-dumb language and let me know if I can get a glideslope and localizer or just a localizer?

Thanks guys for your help!
Stew

And don't ever let someone tell you there is a glideslope on the localizer backcourse, even if the needle is moving.

Fortunately... if you  ARE  flying an instrument approach, you understand the whole system well enough to KNOW if you're getting a bad signal.. You've got the plate in front of you; know where you are  8-)


(unless of course your instructor was that guy)  ::)


Plus.. ATC would say, "hey, poo-for-brains.. what exactly are you trying to do ?"

Thanks guys - great responses!  I really appreciate your help!
Stew