Need help w/ ILS and Autopilot Approach

[VASX2003]

I finally got the hang of langing my aircraft and using the autopilot. When I get within 10nm's of the runway on approach, I change my Autopilot to NAV and switch on the APR function. After that, it looks like my plane will make it to the runway, but it keeps missing it. I also add the ILS frequency into the NAV1 radio.

My question is: Am I supposed to switch off the autopilot about a mile from the runway and guide the plane into the center of the runway? I understand that the APR on autopilot is supposed to line you up with the center of the runway, but it does not happen that way for me. So, what do you do to accomplish this.

Bruce C
VASX2003.COM Stock Exchange

[Paul2k12]

Hello, Try and turn the APR hold button on just before you enter the green triangle as if you are a long way away the ILS will not pick it up very well.

Also make sure you are only a few degrees of runway heading for example if RH is 102 Deg you should be a few degrees more or less from 102 not like 72 degrees as the ILS doesn't like snaking about.

Hope that helps

Paul2k10

[VASX2003]

Yes, I switch it on when I enter the green triangle, but you say that I should be only a few degrees off the heading matching the runway? Then, what do I do? Just turn off Autopilot and land the plane manually?

[Paul2k12]

Hello, You seem to be doing everything correctly so lave the APR button pressed and the aircraft should pick up the glidescope and descend accordingly.

Watch your speed and when you are about 100ft from the runway turn off the Autopilot and flare manually as the AP doesn't do this.

Thanks.

Paul2k10

[VASX2003]

Thanks, Paul. That makes sense, but what I am saying is that if I turn off the autopilot 100ft from the runway and flare up, I end up landing on the taxiway or the grass. My aircraft flies along the glide slope altitude-wise, but it still does not line up with the runway. I don't understand why. I enter the correct ILS frequency from the runway and the autopilot flies the plane in the same heading as the runway number. But for some reason my plane just goes everywhere except for the runway.

[Paul2k12]

OK, Which aircraft? and which airport is this? as I will have a go and see if it does the same thing.

Thanks

Paul2k10

[VASX2003]

By you telling me that I am doing it right, I feel very encouraged. And now you want to fly the same route in the same plane? I don't think there is anybody nicer than you.

[Paul2k12]

Thanks for the info and you may have the answer. Whatever the runway heading is, that is the heading you should have selected for example if it is runway 32 and that has a heading of 324 degrees the heading must be 324 deg for the autopilot to work.

Paul2k10