SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

Is it possible to do a full stop landing with autopilot unaided??

I’ve tried many times and have tried switching on autopilot at various distances from the runway. I’ve pressed “APP” when the pink localiser arrows show up on the altitude indicator and VOR 1 window and taken any other autopilot modes off, but leaving the autopilot master switch, flight director and auto throttle on. I have tried the flaps at various degrees and the spoilers in the arm position. But when the plane reaches the runway it either slams into it too fast and crashes or bounces off it and over shoots the runway.

Is autopilot only meant to take you to the touch down or flare position?

Thank you, and I do hope someone can help me, but please if nessesary Simplify the procedure as I am a beginner to fs.

Regards

Steve

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2006 6:35 pm Post subject:

I think so, but to stop fully on the runway you need to have autobrake on. Spoilers should be armed, but thrust reversers are manual.

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2006 9:28 pm Post subject:

Steve:
To answer your brake question... No, your autopilot has nothing to do with your braking system so heeshung is correct there. The autobrake switch is what controls your "armed" spoilers and braking, it may control reverse thrust on some aircraft as well.
Unless the aircraft you are flying is equipt with a feature called "autoland" you will have to make the last few hundred feet of the landing yourself. The autopilot system is not designed to help there either. I turn the auto pilot off after being cleared to land most times and use the GPS screen as a reference. I usually cut the auto throttle as well. The perfect speed for landing is slowing to stall speed just seconds after your landing gear touches the runway. Try to keep your decent rate at no more than 200 feet per minute. Watch the VASI/PAPI lights near the end of the runway. The aircraft you choose to fly will usually come with a check list that will list landing speed , gear extension speed and flap deployment speeds. Use those, they will help as well.

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2006 10:33 pm Post subject:

Thank you both for your fast response,

So that is why the boeing 747 that I have been trying to land, and couldn't even get it to touch down properly only bounce at best is because it hasn't "autoland".

Is any aircraft that comes in fs 2004 as standard is equiped with autoland?

Steve

Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2006 3:14 am Post subject:

Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2006 5:04 pm Post subject:

I fly mostly twin turboprops and pistons. Some will land smoothly with the APP on and some won't. You have to manage the throttle, flaps, and spoilers and sink rate to keep the slope indicator on target. Landing speed is critical.

The Beech D18 Volpar (piston twin) will land nicely on APP but, get ready to handle a "bounce" if the landing speed is a bit hot.....

I use a button on the stick to kill the AP quickly. Especially important for the "Offset" ILS beams used in Alaska because of mountains and seaplane shared beams. Using a mouse or keyboard takes too much time... Otherwise, you wind up setting down in the middle of the bay with a land plane....

Tj

Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2006 10:24 pm Post subject:

Great link heeshung,

It's very interesting that the boeing hasn't got autoland I always thought they had.

Thanks TJ33, I might try the Beech to practice the "app" autopilot landings, as I have now learned that I have to still use my joystick to raise or lower the nose when I get near the runway to stop the plane slamming into the ground and crashing.

Thanks

Steve

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 7:49 am Post subject:

Steve try this neat little gauge from Flightsim.
http://www.flightsim.com/cgi/file

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 10:31 am Post subject:

Steve

Sorry mate dead link get the file from Flightsim
it is called autolnd1.zipCheers. Very Happy

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 1:53 pm Post subject:

Hi All,

I can tell you with certainty that Airbus 319 (real world) has autoland feature. I traveled between cities in the UK recently and on 2 separate occasions; there was low cloud cover in Glasgow and London Heathrow. The pilot came on in both instances informing us of delays due to the conditions but not to worry about landing as we would autoland. The experience on approach was just like any other landing except for touchdown. As soon as the front wheel made contact with the runway, there was a sudden forward jer as the brakes were applied immediately after touchdown.

I don’t know of any Boeing aircraft that has this feature and wonder why.

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 10:13 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the autoland link Aussie John I have just downloaded it but haven't intstalled it yet, I will look forward to sitting back and watching myself land Smile

.

I might download the Airbus 319 though as I would like to keep it as real as possible that's if the real life Boeings 747 etc hasn't got autoland as in fs, cheers for the info bargione, I wonder why as well.

Steve

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2006 10:46 pm Post subject: