SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

[Pilot_Frank]

Hi everybody,

I recently started with flight simulator and made it all to the instrument checkride. The problem I am having is that it seems for me difficult to center the NAV1 device. The instructor keeps telling me that I didn´t intercept the 338° course. From the airport diagram I have noticed that the VOR is located between runaway 34R and 34L. Does this mean I have to fly between these 2 runways to make sure that I am on the 338° course ? By the way I have done this solo flight also with beautiful weather.

Looking forward to a reply from an expert on this. :D

[Flightsim2010]

No you dont. But What type of approach are you trying to make, please give more details. You should approach the vor heading at about a 45 deg angle, But if you are making a FULL VOR approach, then you would have to fly right over the VOR. But please give for details.

*Real life Instrument rated pilot*

[rd]

Flightsim, start FS9, go to lessons, and fly the Instrument checkride, and you'll see what he's talking about.

RD

[Flightsim2010]

Im unable to get lessons on FS, had a problem with the software with that fuction :roll:

Are you trying to fly FROM the VOR to another VOR, are you in the Hold using the VOR, or are you making a full VOR approach. Or other. Look forward to your responce.

[Pilot_Frank]

Hi Junior SurCclaro member and RD,

I am trying to get more experience in VOR and ILS approaches. The first part of the checkride is to fly a VOR approach to Paine VOR followed by an ILS approach to Boeing Field (also In Seattle). The VOR chart for Pain VOR shows a heading of 338° and intercept the Paine VOR (Seattle Tacoma Int. airport). But the examiner and checkride requirements are telling me to stay within 2 degrees course of the VOR. But when I try to center myself to the Paine VOR it seems that I am flying not towards the center of the runway (!!) but left to the 34R runway. That to me seems not right. Crossing Paine VOR I need to do a missed approach (which si going well) but again I still have difficulties in intercepting the Paine VOR even if I stay on the 338° course.

So the question is what am I doing wrong ??

[Flightsim2010]

Please let me explain how I was taught in the C172 in relation to this type of approach, and then you can see if you can apply this to FS. This type of approach (vor approach) is a non precision approach, In simple terms, if the vis is to low, and ceiling to low, you have to make an ILS approach. If you want to make a VOR approach, certain minimums apply. This is what we used to do in the c172, let say you intercept the 338° hed (at a 45 deg) track inbound, also refer to your Instrument chart for let downs and alt REQ. You have to be able to see the runways before you get to the VOR! or before you get to your DH, that could be a NDB or a middle marker. then, SIDESTEP to (lets say) runway 34L or 34R. and then make a normal landing from there. Like I said, the weather conditions have to be a certain minium for a VOR approach, you have to be able to see the runways before getting to the VOR (in simple terms) Then Sidestep from there. The VOR is just a Radial to get you in the right direction, you cant rely on it for precision. Do you have any other questions.

[ricktobin]

Pilot_Frank wrote: The VOR chart for Pain VOR shows a heading of 338° and intercept the Paine VOR (Seattle Tacoma Int. airport).
So the question is what am I doing wrong ??

Are you sure you have the correct VOR? VOR PAE (PAINE) isn't located at SEATAC, it's at Paine Field (KPAE) which is North of KBFI and KSEA.

If you are approaching VOR PAE on radial 338 (NOT HEADING 338) enroute to an ILS approach at KBFI, your heading should be 158 (the reciprocal radial of 338) approaching VOR PAE. Don't confuse the VOR RADIAL with the HEADING required to cross the VOR.

[Flightsim2010]

Frank, what Direction are you flying to the VOR. I will try to get a chart and see for myself.

[ricktobin]

Flightsim, you can't fly the checkrides so stand-by for a minute and let him read my post before you try to jump on my solution.

[Pilot_Frank]

Hello Rick,

I am flying from the south to KSEA starting from McChord towards FACTS (at 5,000 feet and descend to 840 feet) and do a missed approach to Parkk intersection (and climb to 2,100 feet). So the lady examiner tells me to intercept the 338° course from McChord where I need to have a deviation of +/- 2° course. But my problem is that when I look at Nav2 the needle shows a deviation of 4°. So I turn right to return to the course but than I am left from runway 34R even if I correct my plane to a heading of 338.

I hope it is clear now and look forward to your advise on this.

[ricktobin]

Ok...I'll re-look at everything again because McChord wasn't what you stated in your previous posts. You said you were 2 degrees off off 338 for PAINE enroute to ILS for KBFI.

[Pilot_Frank]

Rick,

That is correct. the needle is 2 dots from the center line.

[Flightsim2010]

ok, I thought you where going into sea?

[Flightsim2010]

Forget about the runways. I like to use the VOR1. On the VOR1, at the top, tune it to 338 thats the from course hed, then look at your HSI, you have to intercept at a 45 deg angle and then wait for the needle to come in, then turn to hed 158 (on the HSI) Its a FROM course Not TO course. Dont over correct, otherwise you will chase the needle all night. I wish I could draw it out..

[ricktobin]

He's not having a problem setting up the instruments.

His problem is that he can't stay within ±2° of the required course to pass the checkride.

Frank, were you able to complete the instrument courses without this problem or was it just as difficult to stay on course in those also?

If so, all I can recommend is practice, practice, practice.

If you think that it's a sim issue; try setting the OBS 2° off from the start and see if you can correct it that way.