Simviation Forums

Hi

What are the BACK COURSE and APPROCH HOLD buttons for....And when should they be used??

Thank you

Approach hold:

Thank you Nexus. A fantastic explanation. You know your stuff dont you!

Cheers along

P.S. When should I use the LVL button?

I assume you mean the lvl button?
It's an autopilot function, it keeps the wings level,t hat's all. I think it's on by default, but it will disengage when selecting the heading hold function of the autopilot.

Some people I've talked to tend to confuse the lvl button with the level CHANGE (LVL CHG) button, found in real world airliners, but strangely not modelen in the FS default Boeings. But those are 2 different things altogether. Level change is used when changing altitudes of more than 1000 feet (ie: ATC clears you from 11.000ft to 8.000ft) If pilots want to make smaller corrections, they will use the v/s accordingly

Most modern autopilots default to the level mode, when the autopilot master is engaged. When heading or NAV is selected, this will turn off the LVL mode. Some basic autopilots ONLY have a LVL mode, and no NAV or HDG mode.

Basic autopilots?
You mean a broom stick and duct tape?

ACTUALLY, on the small planes I used to use my knees when I wanted to eat my lunch. ...........to control the plane!!!!......not to eat the food!!   On BASIC two axis or single axis auto pilots, a wing leveler or leveler and HDG may be all you have. Even just a leveler makes life a lot easier!

Beats using your knees..................or a broomstick