Big A$$ Plane

[Ace_777]

I tried to land a Virgin Atlantic 747 yesterday using the GPS way but the plane finds it hard to line up causing me to land on the airport building (sarcasm ) Anyone got any tips ?

                 Thanks takecare, Ace

[Eskimo]

Use the NAV ILS?  It's what I do and it works until about 50 ft above the runway when I take over and engage spoilers and, you know, land.

[Ace_777]

Hi Eskimo thanks for the reply I already do use NAV/ILS but it still finds it hard to line up shall I slow her down but that would slow her turning radii?
 
What kind of speed do you fly the approach while she turns?

[Eskimo]

For a 747 I would be at about 250 kts crossing FL 100, and be at 220 - 230 kts when ATC vectors me for final with the gear down at 8 miles to touchdown and 3 or 4 stages of flaps.

My usual touchdown speed is about 185 kts with full flap, spoiler and reverse thrust.

Hey, look at that; post 100!!

[Nexus]

Eskimo, if your touchdown speed is at 185kts, then something is SERIOUSLY wrong.

[Eskimo]

I'm proably thinking of a 737 then; I haven't flown a 747 in a while but the speeds are fairly close.

[MadDriver]

737 you land at 147-143... I usually put it at 145... works perfect everytime.

[Eskimo]

Jeez, I was way off.  

[scorpionbruno]

Thnx for the tips.