Misc FSX Problems

[dwf2008]

Hi -

 

Here's some misc questions.

 

1. With the stock F-18, why is it as soon as I hit the brakes at almost any speed the plane starts skidding sideways as if it was on ice? Is there a way to correct this and get a straight line stop?

 

2. When making an ILS approach with almost any aircraft, the altitude hold clicks off (I think this is proper) but then instead of following the glideslope the plane will rapidly loose altitude and crash into the ground?

 

3. Why won't my Logitech joystick stay calibrated? Seems like I have to readjust it almost everytime I use FSX, primarily with the z axis rudder control. Checking the raw data numbers shows 0-128-255 as it should but the airplane rudder is usually tipper to the left.

 

THanks

[pvarn]

Brakes:

There are different kinds of brakes- differential and both. Period operates both and *- is differential.

 

Wind:

If you are using online weather or have themes set with "Changes over time" you can get a crosswind which you have to compensate for.

 

ILS:

The most common mistake new pilots make is the activate the APP mode before the glideslope marker comes on. This causes the Autopilot to ignore the glideslope.

If your plane is not correctly configured for approach and landing (particularly speed in the F-18) the AP will not be able to hold the GS even if it initially captures it because the AP cannot hold the plane on the profile within the constraints of the elevator and trim.

 

You will need to get your controller calibration worked out which may be contributing to your other problems. Make sure your controller driver is up to date.

There are probably profiles you can download for FSX which will make it easier to use your stick.

 

-Pv-

[tvieno]

Another reason why the ALT ticks off when you push the APR button is because your NAV/GPS switch is still in GPS mode. Be sure your NAV/GPS switch is in NAV mode before pushing the APR button.

[Stepolano]

The sideways skidding on the default FA-18 occurs a lot more on "Easy" Realism than in "Hard" Realism.

 

For the joystick, check that there are no unwanted rudder movement in any position. Move the stick to all extreme points and if you see any unwanted rudder movement, go into Settings-Controls and increase the Rudder Null Zone and recheck.

[PhantomTweak]

One note on Glideslope I've found in FSX and FS9 both: if you click the APR (APP...Approach, however it's lableled) while still above the glideslope, the plane will nose over into the ground. Make sure you are below the glideslop by watching the indications on you HSI or whatever you use, and once below the glidslope, click the button and hold altitude until you intercept. The plane will grab the GS and start following it perfectly. Do make sure you are configured for landing, with flaps, gear sink rate and so on all set before you hit the glideslope.

Hope this helps a little...

Pat☺

[dwf2008]

Brakes:

There are different kinds of brakes- differential and both. Period operates both and *- is differential.

 

Wind:

If you are using online weather or have themes set with "Changes over time" you can get a crosswind which you have to compensate for.

 

ILS:

The most common mistake new pilots make is the activate the APP mode before the glideslope marker comes on. This causes the Autopilot to ignore the glideslope.

If your plane is not correctly configured for approach and landing (particularly speed in the F-18) the AP will not be able to hold the GS even if it initially captures it because the AP cannot hold the plane on the profile within the constraints of the elevator and trim.

 

You will need to get your controller calibration worked out which may be contributing to your other problems. Make sure your controller driver is up to date.

There are probably profiles you can download for FSX which will make it easier to use your stick.

 

-Pv-

Thanks pvarn. Where do I look for the glideslope marker?

[mrzippy]

Thanks pvarn. Where do I look for the glideslope marker?

 

On the 737 Display, I have marked, in pink, where the markers come up and the "Below Glideslope" light.

 

[inky160]

dwf2008:

Q 1.

This link might help

https://www.flightsim.com/vbfs/showthread.php?276203-F18-Brakes-after-Landing&highlight=f18+brakes

Ron

[ScatterbrainKid]

Regarding stick calibration, I use a Saitek Cyborg and often notice when starting a flight that the aircrafts control surfaces can be seen in external view to be offset from centre, usually the rudder.

So I just waggle and twist the stick to free them up and they return to normal, so I don't think it's a calibration problem, it's probably more of a minor FSX foible or something.

Real world pilots are in the habit of waggling the stick/yoke and trying the rudder pedals to make sure they're freed up, so we might as well do the same..:)

 

PS- a recent thread about it here-

https://www.flightsim.com/vbfs/showthread.php?286662-Plane-turns-automatically

[il88pp]

Best is not to squeeze and hold the brakes right after landing.

Let the aircraft settle on the runway and let it lose some speed. Then tap the brakes. Especially when speeds drop below 100kt tap the brakes very quicly, but do not squeeze.

 

Steering. If you need to steer, do not do it while braking.

Release the brake, make small steering corrections and once you have the correct line again, resume tapping the brakes.

[Rupert]

One other thing we sometimes forget. APR, APP, Approach Function, (depending on your setup) is for the approach to your landing, not the landing itself. Turn it off before you land.