ILS

[Harddeck]

Have been flying in FS2k2 for a couple of weeks now. I have yet to lock onto the ILS for an instrument landing. I never had this problem in FS2k. The plane will sometimes turn toward the runway, but it just doesn't follow right. Sometimes the glidescope works sometimes not. One good thing to come of this is my stick landings are improving. Also, if someone could give me info on calculating decent rates I would apreciate it.

[rumpel]

All this was in the FS2002 Tips section that no longer exists, but briefly:

Come in lower than the Glideslope cone upper limit, (no problem if you are using ATC) and WAIT UNTIL THE LOCALIZER NEEDLE MOVES before you hit the APR button. You will then (usually) lock on.

You still may not be able to maintain altitude on the Glideslope at the recommended approach speed on autothrottle and autopilot, but that is another problem, and has not really been solved yet. It only happens sometimes, with some airplanes, at some airports. The answer if you lose it is to disconnect the AP and AT and take over manually for the landing.

Rumpel

[mdklatt]

You shouldn't wait until the localizer needle moves before arming the approach mode. This only increases the likelihood that the AP will start overcorrecting. Once the controller gives you the final approach vector you can arm the approach mode. The AP will stay in altitude hold until you intercept the glideslope and heading hold until you begin to intercept the localizer. The AP will usually start turning you onto the localizer before you notice the needle move, resulting in a much smoother approach.