Back Course ILS in a 737 in Flight Sim X

I don't have FSX so I can't address the missing Back Course button. You could still fly the course but you would have to use Heading mode(or fly manually) to maintain course.

The Back course(BC) signal is always present , it's a byproduct of transmitting the ILS front course. It will give you lateral guidance but it's reversed thus the need for the BC button for autopilot use. The BC doesn't have a Glideslope. In visual conditions, you can use the BC to help with your visual approach but only certain runways have a BC approach so that it can be flown in instrument conditions. It has to do with signal strength, obstructions and suitable missed approach guidance.
➡ http://stoenworks.com/Tutorials/ILS%20Back-Course%20Approaches.html

A backcourse only applies to the localizer and not the full ILS (glideslope) Although the backcourse is always present they are not flown unless they are published approaches. Check airnav.com to see if they have the approach. The only time I've ever flown them in real life was during training/instructing however we didn't use any backcourse setting. To help you fly it you can think to yourself "I am the needle" while flying it vs. thinking the needle is the runway with a normal localizer.

the back course for runway 23 for starters is not 10... try 05

Hi thanks for the reply.

XPilot (Trainee) what are you on about? On one end of the runway we call it 23 and the other is 10. 23 has full ILS but 10 doesn't. Back Course works for 10, just tried and yes no glide slope. (P.s Those runway numbers are made up, just trying to give you a scene of what i am talking about).

AirNav is a good website however it doesn't cover UK airports, is there a similar site for UK airports so i can check out whether theres a real approach for 10?

In the real world how do jetliner pilots land a back course, i've tried doing it manually but its not the best of landings. (No Autopilot).

Do they.....

1. Set Autopilot on for BC ILS (APP) and NAV set.
2. Get the plane to line up with the runway.
3. Set A/T to 135KTS. (Adjust relevent flaps.
4. Approx 10NM they start the descent manually. Only having to worry with the angle of descent and flaps.
5. 300ft from touchdown, disengage autopilot and bring her down?

Is this what they would do as i can only see this being the easiest method to land without too much trouble.

Thanks.

Joske

What you've stated is pretty close. The approach is flown using the instrument approach chart, descent point is based on the charted procedure. Autopilot is used with BC button selection. Autopilot disengage altitude differs depending on aircraft and company, could be 400 feet AGL. Airline pilots can fly them but there are not many in the US, a pilot could fly for years without doing one.

Here is an BC approach chart.
➡ http://www.naco.faa.gov/d-tpp/0702/00717LBC17.PDF