IFR ATC instructions

**hondak24** · 06-27-2007, 11:26 AM

Hello.

I am new to FSX. I played FS9 before on my slow Pentium III years ago, but never got to use the IFR. Now I got a new PC and wanted to learn IFR on FSX.

I need some help with getting the ATC instructions for approach. I did my first IFR flight plan from Courchevel to Innsbruck. (In the hindsight, I should've chosen an easier approach). During approach, I was guided by the ATC as to the heading and elevation, which I really enjoyed.

The next day, I approached the airport again and there was no such instruction. On the ATC menu, all I had was:
- request class D transition
- request full stop
- request touch and go
and when I chose full stop, the ATC said to head straight in, runway 8. This is not much help, as I was 13,000 ft and 20 miles away.

Thanks,

Hondak24

**slarente** · 06-27-2007, 12:41 PM

That is because you filed a VFR flightplan instead of IFR. In VFR, you are responsible for your own navigation and approach (both being visual), as opposed to IFR where the ATC will vector you.

Hope this helps!

**hondak24** · 06-27-2007, 08:29 PM

I tried to file an IFR flight plan in-flight but I did not get the ATC to vector me. My GPS shows the route.

What I did was I loaded the previously saved IFR. clicked 'OK', then clicked 'No' to move the plane to the departure airport. I assume this is the correct way to file an IFR in-flight.

Do I need to be above or below the cruising altitude?

Hondak24

**gbpc** · 06-29-2007, 07:52 AM

That is the correct way to file IFR in-flight, however to activate the ATC on IFR you will still need to request clearance IFR from ATC (where they copy your plan to you and you copy it back) before it will work. Once done it dont matter where you are, ATC will set you on course. Hope you get it right! it is loads of fun

**hondak24** · 07-01-2007, 11:53 PM

Yeh, it's load of fun. I got it to work now!
I need to learn more about ILS.

**hondak24** · 07-03-2007, 01:43 AM

Okay. I know how to setup IFR now. I can follow the instructions from one ATC to another. However, during the final approach I was given the visual clearance, and not the ILS clearance. What do I need to do to get the ILS clearance? Does it depend on the plane, for example I flew the old DC-3 which doesn't have the VOR meter?

I already did the ILS and VOR approach tutorials.

**kingnorris** · 07-03-2007, 06:42 PM

>Okay. I know how to setup IFR now. I can follow the
>instructions from one ATC to another. However, during the
>final approach I was given the visual clearance, and not the
>ILS clearance. What do I need to do to get the ILS clearance?
>Does it depend on the plane, for example I flew the old DC-3
>which doesn't have the VOR meter?
>
>I already did the ILS and VOR approach tutorials.

Happens to me from time to time. Depends on weather, visibility, airport, etc.

Example: Most times, I'm cleared ILS at Chicago Midway. Sometimes tho, they'll give me a visual. Both times I'm flying a Southwest 737.
Try at a bigger airport;i.e. LAX, Las Vegas, etc.

**slarente** · 07-03-2007, 07:07 PM

It also depends if there is an ILS available for that particular runway. Some airports don't have ILS at all, some only have it for specific runways, which can be closed for landings depending on the weather conditions.

**hondak24** · 07-04-2007, 11:24 AM

Thanks guys...that make sense.

**slarente** · 07-04-2007, 01:37 PM

Once you master ILS landings, I suggest you learn about non-precision approaches and practice that too! ;) Then you should be safe in all situations, especially when flying in IFR conditions in smaller airfields, etc...

P.S. I just noticed that we have the exact same computer specs except for the video card (I have a GeForce 6150). You seem to be getting 8-10 FPS more that what I get with high setting. I now know that I need a new vid card! ;)