SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

[TyphoonTom0402]

Here's my delemma...I am having problems with determining from which direction I should approach and land on any particular runway. I know that one must land facing the oncoming wind.

Before I depart my origin, using actual weather, I view the map and it shows the arrows illustrating the wind and the direction it's coming from. For example if the arrows are pointing south, that means it's a north wind and I would naturally approach from the south facing the north winds head on.
However, this does not always prove to be accurate. Sometimes I notice on final approach that I'm getting ready to land on a runway that's has planes lined up ready to collide right into my aircraft because I'm coming in from the wrong direction. I'm talking about my AI aircraft which are quite active.

Also, if I'm approaching a north-south runway and the winds are blowing from the west (or east for that matter), how do I determine which way I'm supposed to be making my approach?

Thanks for any advise!

:evil:

[jaeger52]

TyphoonTom042,

Wind direction does not necessarily dictate you take off or landing approach. When available, I tune the ATIS for any given airport to determine which is the active runway.

Or,

When in range of the control tower, contact ATC and select Full Stop Landing from the list. ATC will tell you which runway is in use and will tell you where to enter the pattern.

Hope this helps.

Jaeg-

[mel wilson]

Can't really add anything that Jaeg has not already told you, other than.... Once landed, you will be asked to contact Ground Control, which will then direct you to parking.

Mel.

[rd]

Tom, your half right about landing into the wind. It also depends on the wind speed. If it is neglible then most airports have a "priority" direction/runway.

As for crosswinds, it follows the priority runway.

To be sure you're landing on the right runway, use ATC.

RD

[King OF air350]

These guys are all pretty much on the ball, but with my previous experiences, i can add this.

AI Aircraft in FSX don't exactly follow the whole "landing into the wind" thing all the time. While it is possible to have a tailwind while landing at towered airports, VFR aircraft at their less busy untowered brethren are always supposed to land into the wind.

I don't think the FSX programmers programmed the AI planes to pick certain runways based on wind or primary runway designations.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

At my local airport, the priority runway direction is 26. Planes on FSX exclusively use 08... idk why

[TyphoonTom0402]

Hey everyone...thanks for the info...I will get out the books and start practicing approach control procedures and hope that will solve my problems. Scary landings on both those links.

Now my next question...where is a good place I can download airport maps which clearly illustrate runways (with their numbers) and ATC/ground frequencies. FSX has them but they are not convenient to access and it's often difficult to click on the runway and even when I do, it does not specify the runway I want to land on. I would prefer a place I can just download the major airports I use all the time (and even smaller ones) and print them out and just use them.

thanks in advance!

[rd]

Not to bust your bubble here, but the maps will not help you at all when finding the right runway to land on.

The only way to find the right runway for take offs and landings, is using ATC. It may be a pain in the keester, but that is how it's done.

Otherwise, if your on approach to land, FSX will recognize it (if your in a landing pattern), that it will stop AI a/c from going onto the runway. Not 100%, but close to that.

RD

[Cat1]

Tom,
You can find airport maps for the US by following this link: www.airnav.com click on the "airport" tab and enter the name of the airport you are looking for.

This is for the US only though, I think Mel has a URL link for a European version, I don't seem to have it bookmarked though...

Also, the link below my signature line is a wealth of information provided by the FAA, so you know it's good... =P~

[jaeger52]

Good to see you, Cat1! :D

Hope all is well.

Jaeg-

[Cat1]

Back at ya Bruce :wink:

[jaeger52]

:D

[mel wilson]

Hiya Cat......... :wink:

@ TypoonTom.... This will give you a few maps to be getting on with...

http://www.ivao.aero/db/ss/maps.asp?Id=1

Mel.