IFR

[ysteinbuch]

Greetings,

I generally fly VFR, but have been living dangerously recently and doing some IFR hops. Everything goes well as I get vectored along the route, but when I request a visual approach and then declare a missed approach (particularly at night), ATC seems to dump me. I get instructions for a new heading but don't get anything else. What happens if I don't request a visual approach? Do I use ILS? If so, do I have to manually tune NAV1 to the right frequency?

Thanks!

[zcottovision]

When they tell you to turn to a new heading, how long do you wait before deciding that nothing is happening? It might seem like a very long time before they tell you to turn again, but they do, eventually!

Alternatively, don't request a visual approach - just input the ILS frequency of the runway you've been given into the NAV1 radio, intercept, the ILS, and hit the approach button.

[Craig.]

i found once they sent me almost 25 miles out before giving me a new heading, that was about the only time i was put into an actual holding pattern to, that was at hartsfield dotn know the procedures for others though as i have never had to go around at any others, i may get told to, but trust me i dont listen:)

[Mr. Bones]

if you declare a missed approach, just follow the heading they give you. yes, sometimes you almost fly 30nm out of your destination, but in real life, it's just the same... just listen to ATC! they'll guide you back to the active runway.

[fisharno]

This is just what I do... But it does work for me...

Plan your landings from about 50 or 60 miles out.
Turn off the Autopilot and manually fly the approach by executing all of the ATC's instructions yourself.
Tune your Nav1 radio to the ILS freq and set your course indicator to the runway heading. That way, you can see the direction you need to be headed on your final. Watch the Localizer indicator move closer to lining up with the course needle. When it does, turn to the runway heading and continue your decent to the runway, keeping everything lined up all the way down.

My personal opinion is that it's best to fly the approach, yourself to be able to execute the ATC instructions as quickly and accurately as possible, to make room for the guy behind you, or the guy holding short for you, so he can leave.
I've never declared a missed approach.
If you don't ask for a visual approach, (especially if you're flying a heavy at night), you shouldn't have to.

[ysteinbuch]

Thanks for the responses. I guess it's possibe that I didn't wait long enough before deciding that ATC forgot about me. At some point I just canceled IFR and tuned in to the airport, requesting a landing. Here's another bread-and-butter question: If I remember correctly, you get the ILS frequency from the map, right? You click the airport, then select the frequency for the runway you've been given. Correct me if I'm wrong, please.

[Craig.]

you've got it right:)

[ysteinbuch]

Great! Thanks again.