Programming the approach

The programing of the FMC is different depending on the FMC installed. FMC is only used for a GPS approach or missed approach procedures. Normally, the aircraft is on a radar vector(heading) when within approximately 30-40 miles of the airport. You would load the GPS approach and use heading mode to intercept the GPS approach centerline and NAV mode to maintain. Normally there is no vertical guidance during a GPS approach, there are exceptions based on certain approved equipment.

ILS and other approaches:
Some FMC will allow the approach to be loaded for situational awareness(SA) purposes and for use in flying the missed approach procedure. VOR/LOC equipment is providing the guidance during the approach, the FMC only draws a picture of the approach on the FMC display to help the crews SA.

Flight Simulator only:
Since you may not use ATC, you can set up the transition to the approach on your own. Look for a intersection, any(let's call it the initial point{IP}) that is approximately 10-20 miles from the airport, on the centerline of the desired approach and depicted on the instrument approach chart(you need a chart to fly a correct approach). Sometimes such a fix may show in the FMC if it allows approach selection. Make this IP a waypoint before the airport on your route of flight. As you reach the IP, go to VOR/LOC NAV and intercept the ILS.

CRJCapt, thanks for your prompt reply and thorough explanation. You can always be counted on.

I am using http://rfinder.asalink.net/free/ to get the route I want and I also have the full set of Jeppesen flight charts which I purchased. So basically, I need to find out which heading I am flying in on and find a waypoint that is 10-20 miles out and once past this waypoint, switch to heading and control it using the AP. The chart will tell me what height I need to be at at specific points.

I will try this out and see how I go. Thanks again for all your help, CRJCapt, you are always on the ball and willing to offer help.

I may have gotten too complicated for my own good, let me clarify.

A. The normal way is to not put the approach into the FMC and near the airport, simply go to a heading, VOR/LOC NAV and intercept your desired approach.
or
B. GPS approach would be loaded into the FMC. Use heading and NAV to intercept course or fly transition in FMC for that approach.

Simulator only section
A cheat because people want the FMC to guide as much as possible before they get to the ILS. The IP fix(my name) would be on the approach not just the distance(see below). [Hills] intersection would be the IP for the approach below. You could also use CGT VOR and Hill intersection if you want. The idea is to get the aircraft to the final approach course so that you can switch to VOR/LOC navigation.

Thanks again, Sire.
I did understand you the first time, but I want to try and go from A to B ditrectly before involving other aspects such as ATC. Too much at one time will just confuse and frustrate me even more 😀 That's why I wanted to be able to get as close as possible using the FMC and then take over from there.

The chart you attached of course is the same as the charts that I have and the way you have explained it is the way I was going to try and put it into practise.

I look forward to trying this out.

Thanks again for all your help.

Glad to hear it. I was just reading my original post, agonizing that maybe it was unclear. If you need or want more info, let me know, I'll do my best. Thank you for your kind words. 🙂

CRJCapt,

Mission accomplished!!!

I am now able to take off, fly to point B and be lined up with the runway I want and land on using the FMC. After doing this a few times, I will move onto a more realistic approach. Thanks again for all your help in getting me to this point. It has made my flight sim experience all the more better.

I have no idea how to program a normal route from point A to B using the FMC.Also to set the auto pilot settings you have to use the FMC,the thing is i don't know how to do these things.Help please!!!

clutches wrote:

I have no idea how to program a normal route from point A to B using the FMC.Also to set the auto pilot settings you have to use the FMC,the thing is i don't know how to do these things.Help please!!!

Here are two good tutorials to help you master the FMC:

https://flyawaysimulation.com/downloads/files/2876/fs2004-how-to-program-fmc-tutorial/

Here is another link to another tutorial:

(dead link removed)

Remember that not all default FS planes have the FMC.
Be patient with this - it's not that simple. You can also use the following URL to plan your routes:

http://rfinder.asalink.net/free/

Good luck and let us know if you have any questions.