AP hold + Ils question.

[Dan]

I have seen this mentioned somwhere before, but It didn't work for me.  can fly the ILS localizer manually, but I want to use the Aproach hold on the auto pilot. I have my switch set to Nav, then i hit AP hold or whatever it is and it does not hold me??!! What  am I not doing?
Dan

P.s. Stock B737

[jrpilot]

are you capturing the localizer...I think you are.......try getting closer to the airport when you are on the final about 7 miles out.......then hit the APP button....see if this helps

[chomp_rock]

Are you already on the ILS (needles crosing at 90* angles) when you hit the approach button?

[Infidellic]

I kind of have this problem as well although mine may be different. My A/C gets the localiser and aligns left and right but the vertical pitch goes everywhere.....also often when I engage the A/P to climb to an alt it still only responds to my joystick movement. The Autopilot will be ignored despite it being on and the altimeter set to climb (including the Vertical speed).

Sorry if the last bit slightly off topic but the first bit isn't

[YodaNYC]

Best way to capture the localizer is to fly a 30 degree angle to final approach path (if you are flying IFR, ATC will vector you onto this approach path).  

Make sure your NAV 1 radio is tuned to the corresponding ILS frequency.  As the plane captures the localizer (most likely about 10nm from the airport), switch on the approach hold button and autothrottle (if it's not on already) and make sure to turn off the altitude hold.  From here you will start turning on final and should start descedning nicely on the glideslope.

Nexus has posted some very good threads in the past regarding the use of ILS, both flown manually and using autopilot.

Regarding the altitude issue during climb out, I know it may sound silly but make sure that the altitude hold switch is on.

[Dan]

I probably had it in Nav2....
Dan