Lining up the Runway ( Any Tips)

[Tomcat61]

Hi all, I am still learning very much about my FS2002, and just wanted to ask a question.

If I am flying about 20 Nm from my Destination airport ( Which is on my left for example, and I want to turn left onto my runway heading, how do I know when I should make my turn, I mean if my Runway heading is 057, and I turn way to early, My Aircraft will go to hdg 057, but I am still no where near lined up with my runway, I am just parralel to it.
Hope this is clear, what I want to know are there any tips on lining up withthe runway, or do you just have to do it visually.

Thanks again for any advice.

cheers, Tomcat61

[clayton4115]

you have to use your navigation instruments and tune into the ILS for that frequency for the runway,

ahhh the Fs98 days...

[BFMF]

Some people use the ILS, some use the GPS to try to line up, and some people do it visually

[Rifleman]

you could try using your VOR

[BAW19]

Lining up without any beacons is always trial and error. In the real world pilots use landmarks such as churches and rivers or roads to establish these kind of VFR approaches. The airfield and runways should become visible between 0 and 20 odd nm out so you can then line yourself up.
If beacons are available fly the Pattern to get yourself lined up. Easiest way is to tune to the beacon and fly the opposite heading to the runway (eg if it's rwy 09 fly 270 degrees). This course is called the Downwind leg and will take you past the airfield. You'll see the needle swing round to point behind you. Continue for a little while and turn 90 degrees towards the airfield so that you will eventually intercept the extended centre line. This is the Base leg and you can stay on it until the needle points roughly to the right or left. Turn in towards the airfield and you'll be approximately on the runways heading. This is called Finals. As the airfield becomes visible you can adjust your course to line up perfectly.
Practice makes perfect!
Have fun
Ian

[Andrew Parkinson]

Hey Rifleman:

Nice remote flyer you have! Do you have any remote jets as well? They really kick-some getting to speeds of 180 mph!

I know this is dangerous, but I've always wanted to set the little cheap rockets on the wings of mine, and fire them off like missles, but, as stated, way to dangerous. It would be a cool effect though if it could be done without anyone or any bird getting hurt.

[codered]

At controlled airports you can make straight in approaches, but let say you are at an uncontrolled airport.  Here is how it is in the real world...

If you can call up unicom and get wind info or listen to hear what other traffic is doing.  This is not available in FS2002 so in the real world if I was not able to talk with anyone, I would listen to the automated weather breifing if availale and make my desicion for landing then.  Or I could fly over the airport above the traffic pattern altitude and see which way the wind sock is blowing.  

Once I determine the wind direction, decend to pattern altitude and always enter the downwind on a 45 degree angle.  This is proper proceedure.  At this point I would call my position.  Once established on downwind I would call out my position.  Once I am abeam the numbers on the runway I would bring back my power, first notch of flaps and start my desent at about 500 fpm.  Once the runway is over my sholder or about 45 degrees behind me, make a turn to base, add the next set of flaps, maintain desent.  Then just as the end of the runway is 45 degrees to my left or right I will make my turn to final.  At this point add the last amount of flaps and the aircraft should be set up on final at the proper landing speed and configuration for the aircraft.

Long winded but that is the short of it....  Patterns also help when going into controlled airports.  The tower will let you know what they want you to do.