ATC zig zag

**Salden** · 01-01-2002, 01:08 PM

Hello guys,

I was wondering if somenone else also has encounterd this problem.

When flying a flightplan sometimes the ATC tells me to turn X degrees extra to the right and one minute later I have to turn those same X degrees to the right.

In that way I wind up with the heading I was flying to.

So why these turns ?

Any suggestions ?

Happy flying.

Gerard Salden
Beta Tester Wideview

**potbelly** · 01-01-2002, 01:22 PM

Traffic avoidance maybe....

wingman12345 · 01-01-2002, 02:11 PM

Has happened to me plenty. I don't have a clue though as to why that happens.

**wileyecoyote** · 01-01-2002, 02:14 PM

Does it only happen during departure and landings, or also during cruise. When departing and landing it has most likely to do with spacing (though it doesn't mean much in fs2k2, but heck). If it also happens during cruise, than I'm not to sure what the cause of it is.

Regards,

http://www.kabel.netvisit.nl/~vries05/wileyesig2.jpg

**flyinggriffin** · 01-01-2002, 02:34 PM

My guess would be that it has to do with wind drift. Normally I use winds aloft so if it is not happening with zero winds at altitude I am all wrong. Real life controlers give you a heading that based on their experience crabs you so that you end up going where they want you to go. Perhaps FS2002 is trying to send you directly to a computed point and even if you are follwing the proper heading winds drifts you left or right of course. Then ATC vectors you back to the course line, and then tells you to turn to the original heading without compenstating for wind. You then go through this series of s turns drifing on and off the course line.
Student pilots trying to fly a radial on a vor go through something similar if they don't adjust for wind drift

**mcarvela** · 01-01-2002, 02:44 PM

This was answered a few weeks ago. The problem is that you are not dead on the gps track. So ATC keeps turning you to get back on track. The solution is to change your avionics from NAV to VOR. Most of the panels have this switch. Then engage your autopilot but instead of using the hdg AP, use the NAV AP. On your keyboard, hit Z to turn on AP, then hit ctrl-N instead of ctrl-H. You will fly dead on the gps track and ATC wont bother you. Worked for me.

Whiteman · 01-01-2002, 03:08 PM

The solution is in the FS2002 Tips (Banner link at the top of the page).

John

http://www.flightsim.com/dcforum/Use...e45a5fb8a6.gif

http://flightsimvetclub.tripod.com/

wingman12345 · 01-01-2002, 03:11 PM

It normally happens to me while I am on my descent.

**Salden** · 01-01-2002, 04:57 PM

Hello guys,

Thanks for thinking with me.

I thought also that those corrections came because of the drifting away from your course.

I fly the PSS-747 and with that plane I have to wait for a patch.
Till that time my LNAV and VNAV don't work.

But I am glad that I now know for sure what it caused.

Thanks again for all your help and happy flying.

Gerard Salden
Beta Tester Wideview

BobKK · 01-01-2002, 06:43 PM

This is caused by being blown off course by winds, and it's significant if your flying perpendicular to a strong crosswind. I believe I've found the solution:

You subtract the two magnetic headings, then add 1/2 the difference to the lower number and fly that heading. This works for me.

For example, ATC was repeatedly switching me from heading 315, then to 275 and back to 315. I was flying perpendicular to a 50 mph crosswind and was on Approach.

I subtracted 275 from 315=40 degrees. 1/2 of 40=20. Add 20 to the lower heading (275+20)and fly a heading of 295. This kept me on course and kept ATC happy. No more zigzagging.

Bob K