Simviation Forums

Hi there,

I always wondered that x-plane has v-nav and l-nav buttons
instead. Because x-plane is now FAA approved I guess
the Approach Button is an "invention" of Flightsim.
Why is it handled like this in Flighsim ? Is it so much
more complicated to use v-nav and l-nav ? (I

LNAV (lateral navigation) and VNAV (vertical navigation)are the most advanced functions of the autopilot. To use these you must have a defined route programmed into the flight management computer (FMC)

LNAV tracks the lateral part of the route, while VNAV follows the programmed vertical profile.

The "approach button" does exist in real life, as it is used to capture the localizer and glideslope of an ILS installation. You would not use either LNAV or VNAV when conducting an ILS approach. LNAV would be switched to "LOC" (Localizer) and G/S (glideslope) would ovetake VNAV as active mode

BTW: many commercial addons for FS9 has advanced FMCs and autopilot modes.

LNAV = Lateral navigation.
VNAV = Vertical navigation.

As for your question  the approach button is not an invention of FS ...... It exists in the real world too.

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0925838/L/

Although not very clear the Approach button is next to the AP Dissengage bar and the Altitude hold button.

Nexus beat me too it  ::)

Thank you !!
That clears a lot.

sam

Here's the KFC225..  Similar to what you find in most FS9 light aircraft..

You can see, it has the approach function..

http://www.blueangelaviation.com/bk_autopilot.htm

short answer - Yes