The replies of Ender and Hype are understandable (
) but they just might not have answered your questions....
To start with question 2: the point of ATC is well...nothing important really, if all you want to do is fly along. As you found out you can happily fly along for hours without it. It's just not very realistic this way.
Using ATC simulates real aviation. In real world flying you can't just take off and fly around; you need permision from ATC for most every thing you do (except maybe farting and nose-picking but I'm not sure about this
.
ATC gives you permision to do things (or not) and gives you instructions in order to avoid collisions with other aircraft etc. This starts with taxiing and ends with parking. Every move between these two has to be reported to ATC and every instruction has to be carried out. Also when using flightplans ("using" in this case means: first create a flightplan, file it with ATC on the "clearance delivery" frequency and then fly it according to the instructions you are being given) ATC gives you vectors you have to follow. This makes the flying a lot more complicated as you can not just go 1000 feet up or down, or change heading etc.
So how to use ATC?
I suggest you read the ATC section in the manual.
About the approach/AP thing: please note that the following is not a tutorial, it is just a rough description of the possibilities.
You may have noticed that most runways have ILS equipment. It is possible to "autoland" a plane using this system. It will stay on the correct heading and on the glideslope towards the runway, up to touchdown. All
you have to do is regulate speed (manually or using autothrottle/speed hold), set flaps, gear down etc. (oh and stay in touch with ATC of course
)
To achieve this you should tune VOR1 to the ILS freqency of the runway you're gonna land on (using the NAV1 button on the radio stack or mouse-clicking on the digits). You should also dial the runway heading into the "course selector".
Now fly towards the runway you want to land on (or are being told to by ATC), about 2000 feet above the ground over the outer marker. You should see the lines on the HSI move, indicating your position relative to the glideslope. As soon as their are moving (indicating that you are near the correct position on the glideslope) hit the "app" button on the AP controls. The plane will automatically move towards, and then follow the glideslope. Moments before touchdown disengage the autopilot and do the flare manually.
That's it really. Hope this is of any help.
Cheers
AJ
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