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ILS Decision Height

Posted:
Thu Apr 28, 2011 8:00 pm
by bklaviator91
I've been trying to figure out approaches this week, but I have one question that I still need help with...What is the decision height supposed to be for an ILS approach and what is "decided" at this altitude
Re: ILS Decision Height

Posted:
Thu Apr 28, 2011 8:30 pm
by DaveSims
A typical Cat I ILS has a decision height of 200 feet.
Re: ILS Decision Height

Posted:
Thu Apr 28, 2011 10:54 pm
by Tyler012
In regards to what Dave has said, You can also find the decision height on IFR plates (If you so choose to use them). It will be under the diagram, and be classified by aircraft class: A,B,C,D.
Re: ILS Decision Height

Posted:
Fri Apr 29, 2011 7:48 am
by Strategic Retreat
It doesn't give me any pleasure to correct you, Dave, but FS(anynumber) models all ILS effectively as a CAT III, with the sole exception of those ILS that are offset. :-/
In fact, unless said ILS under FS is offset, you can use a plane that CAN Autoland to do just that with full success every time, everyhere, whilst in real life it would be a toss to autoland already on a CAT II, not to mention a CAT I. 
Re: ILS Decision Height

Posted:
Fri Apr 29, 2011 8:21 am
by DaveSims
It doesn't give me any pleasure to correct you, Dave, but FS(anynumber) models all ILS effectively as a CAT III, with the sole exception of those ILS that are offset. :-/
In fact, unless said ILS under FS is offset, you can use a plane that CAN Autoland to do just that with full success every time, everyhere, whilst in real life it would be a toss to autoland already on a CAT II, not to mention a CAT I. 
The trick is not many FS aircraft can accurately model an true autoland. True, you can leave the autopilot is APR mode all the way to the runway, but most aircraft will just fly into the runway.
Re: ILS Decision Height

Posted:
Fri Apr 29, 2011 1:16 pm
by Strategic Retreat
[quote]The trick is not many FS aircraft can accurately model an true autoland.
Re: ILS Decision Height

Posted:
Sat Apr 30, 2011 1:26 pm
by bklaviator91
Thanks all for the help!

This has really made my sim flights much more enjoyable

Re: ILS Decision Height

Posted:
Sun May 01, 2011 11:40 pm
by F35LightningII
This is a bit unrelated to the main topic but I have found a way to make a default aircraft do a smooth landing on autopilot:
1) When APR hold is on and the aircraft is tracking the glideslope, set the ALT hold to 0 and the autopilot VS to -700 (don't engage it though)
2) Once about 100ft AGL, turn on ALT hold.
3) At 50ft, cut throttle and set your VS to -200
4) Once main gear touches down, disengage autopilot.
Re: ILS Decision Height

Posted:
Mon May 02, 2011 8:41 am
by Strategic Retreat
This is a bit unrelated to the main topic but I have found a way to make a default aircraft do a smooth landing on autopilot:
1) When APR hold is on and the aircraft is tracking the glideslope, set the ALT hold to 0 and the autopilot VS to -700 (don't engage it though)
2) Once about 100ft AGL, turn on ALT hold.
3) At 50ft, cut throttle and set your VS to -200
4) Once main gear touches down, disengage autopilot.
Was this awfully overcomplicated procedure created just not to have to touch the yoke? :-?
Do a favor to yourself and your skills and use the AP in landing only when really needed (low visibility, for example) and fly the other approaches yourself. The best parts of a flight, real or simulated, are take-off and landing, and if you willingly renounce to the best... what do you remain with? 