FSX Radio Navigation

[hitman]

Im getting used to flying in FSX via IFR, but I would like to go a little bit more in-depth in the flying than just having a controller tell me what vectors I need to turn to coordinate my flight path. What I would like to know is:

 

(using FSX F/A-18A as an example)

 

How do I press the (.) key on the radio? Its hard to dial in a frequency without a period. Keyboard doesnt work in this regard...

 

How does one work the LORAN, and on what aircraft are they present?

 

How would you go about programming the autopilot to follow an IFR flight plan?

 

And most irritating to me: How do you set up the ILS system? I know what button to press, and I know how to find the radio frequency, but Ive never had it work, especially since I cant find that damned period key on the comms.:doh:

 

I can pretty much learn how to do this in other aircraft, but Im most familar with the -18A, and I can work from there. Any help appreciated. This could also help me learn the X-Plane 9 simulator.

[Zorrin]

Im getting used to flying in FSX via IFR, but I would like to go a little bit more in-depth in the flying than just having a controller tell me what vectors I need to turn to coordinate my flight path. What I would like to know is:

 

(using FSX F/A-18A as an example)

 

How do I press the (.) key on the radio? Its hard to dial in a frequency without a period. Keyboard doesnt work in this regard...

 

How does one work the LORAN, and on what aircraft are they present?

 

How would you go about programming the autopilot to follow an IFR flight plan?

 

And most irritating to me: How do you set up the ILS system? I know what button to press, and I know how to find the radio frequency, but Ive never had it work, especially since I cant find that damned period key on the comms.:doh:

 

I can pretty much learn how to do this in other aircraft, but Im most familar with the -18A, and I can work from there. Any help appreciated. This could also help me learn the X-Plane 9 simulator.

 

I don't have Acceleration so I can't help you out specifically with the F18.

BUT, I've been using FS for years and also fly for real.

 

When changing the frequencies you don't need to worry about .

Personally I just use the mouse and change the frequencies that way.

 

LORAN I've never used, nor seen in FS but then I tend not to pay that much attention to it....

 

I'm guessing you are using the built-in flight planner? If you are then your GPS will automatically load that flight plan. If you are flying something a little more complicated with an FMS then usually there is an option in the FMS to load the FS Flight Plan.

 

Once you've checked the flight plan is in your FMS/GPS you need to make sure that the autopilot is looking at the GPS/FMS for its NAV instructions.

Usually you will find a switch that is marked NAV/GPS. You need to make sure this is set to GPS, and then with the autopilot on you select the NAV submode. While every autopilot is different there should be a NAV mode.

 

Now if you're using an FMS it can build you an altitude profile. But generally the altitude management is your problem if you are using GPS. You can set up the Garmin's to give you cues for vertical navigation. I'd suggest for that information you go to Garmin's website - www.garmin.com and download the GNS4xx training devices. The GNS in FS is very close to the real thing.

 

Now forgive me if I'm teaching you to suck eggs, but with the ILS I'll start from the beginning. We'll use the ILS at Southend Airport [EGMC].

We know the frequency for the ILS there is 111.35 and the Ident is I ND. We have also found out that the runway heading for the ILS is 237.

 

In you NAV radio you need to dial in 111.35 (again just use the nobs on the radio and a mousewheel to scroll through them. That's the easiest way and its the way it's done for real!). Make sure that it is the active frequency.

Now depending on which aircraft you are in... Depends on what instruments you have.

If you have only VOR receivers you need to turn the dial so it reads 237.

 

If you are flying something a little more modern you will probabyl find that on the autopilot panel next to the heading selector (or sometimes the same button) you'll see something to set your course.

Course needs to be 237.

 

Now in the real world you listen to the NAV frequency for the morse code ident, in this case we'd be listening for IND... If you can hear it, then you're picking it up.

 

That is all you should need to do to set up your aircraft to fly an ILS approach.

 

Don't forget that you either need to fly a procedure in, self-position or get vectors to the ILS.

 

If you are using the Garmin GPS on FSX you can use the Approaches in there. Just load up the approach interface and select an ILS24 approach for EGMC and then you'll get a couple of options for how you want to get there.

 

Ideally you want to be interceptiing the localiser (the vertical bar on the HSI/VOR/FD that gives you your position relative to the centreline) by no more than 30 degrees.

 

If you are going to use the autopilot to fly the ILS for you, generally it isn't switched to APR (approach) mode until you have intercepted the glideslope. Once you get the glideslop, you can let the autopilot fly the apporach if you so wish... Just hit the APR button, depends on the aircraft thought.

 

I can't take screenshots because my harddrive for Games went bang and I haven't replaced it yet.

 

But if you are still stuck and confused, PM me. And if possible include a screenshot/s of the cockpit you're using and I can highlight from there.

[hitman]

Ok...radio frequency shifting I totally forgot with the knobs in other aircraft...however, the F-18 has a key punch to enter the frequencies, and theres no period. Go figure. :|

 

If you want to be a little more precise, you can use the Cessna 172 as an instructor...Im somewhat familiar with the cockpit layout, not all that familiar with the glass cockpit. Im not interested in auto pilot landing...just getting from point A to point B with coffee breaks in between. Ill check out that Garmin...Ill also have to take a deeper look into the cockpits.

Edited August 20, 2008 by hitman_214th

[monotwix]

As I put my own version together I see it’s already been done never mind just another version I suppose.

 

Here is a few steps for setting the ILS and navigation.

First you need the details of your destination airport, those are radio frequencies, local barometric pressure, runway heading, runway elevation.

 

To tune to control tower (CT) you need to obtain the frequency from the flight planner for example: EGKK CT 124.225Mhz press C to select the decimals of the COM1 radio, the numbers 124 before the (.) can be changed with the mouse wheel or ( + - ) keys press C again and you can change 225.

The same principle works with other radios.

For COM2 press C+2. for NAV1 press N. NAV2 N+2. For ADF and DME it’s A and D respectively (I think).

 

Ok so for navigation you use NAV1 NAV2 ADF (automatic navigation finder). DME (distance measuring equipment)

COM1 and COM2 speaks for it’s self.

Transponder code (squawk code) is for ATC controllers

 

VOR DME stations and ILS are the high frequency emitters they can be tuned on NAV1 NAV2 DME radios and NDB (non directional beacon) low frequency station can be tuned on ADF radio.

So to make ILS approach you tune NAV1 to ILS frequency and intercept the glide path on Boeing 737 MFD the two little pink blobs will appear, on King Air 350 there is only one pink dot will appear for vertical path only and that’s where you’d have to turn OBS or course selection needle to match the runway heading to get horizontal path reference.

 

To get the correct altitude indication you’d have to turn the barometric pressure knob and to get the barometric pressure value tune to ATIS frequency of the airport using COM1 or COM2 radios for example: EGKK ATIS 136.525Mhz the number you need will look some thing like this 1004Q.

 

In the flight planer the nav log is provided the nav log tells you the frequencies of the stations used for navigation to get to point B or C or D and their heading for example there is a VOR station at point B and heading 280 to get to it, you would tune the NAV1 standby frequency of that VOR and flip-flop switch it to make it active than you can tune the standby frequency again for point C so to make it ready.

 

Next step is to turn the course selector needle or OBS to match the heading of the selected point which in this case 280.

The next step is to set the autopilot if required and to do that you’d press the autopilot master switch ( note there’re 2 navigation modes one is GPS and the other is NAV in this case we are using NAV mode) and now press the NAV hold button, it will fly you to point B and your heading approach to that point would be 280 degrees.

Set the required altitude and climb rate press alt hold, set the required speed.

The approach hold works for ILS in the same way like it does in Lock On.

There’re NDB approaches for the runways with no ILS but that’s another story I think.

[Zorrin]

I did a google for FSX 172 cockpit and have marked it up for you.

 

A is the OBS nob which is what you need to use to set the Runway heading. In EGMC example turn that till it says 237.

 

B is the switch for NAV/GPS. If GPS is highlighted then the autopilot will follow the GPS waypoints when you select autopilot NAV mode. However it must be in NAV mode if you want the autopilot to follow the ILS cues!

 

C is the active frequency which corresponds to the top VOR, or VOR 1. NAV 2 does VOR 2 which is the one below.

 

D is the nob for frequency changing. Big one and small one to do whole and decimals.

 

The horizontal bar on VOR 1 will give you glideslope information and the vertical one is the Localiser.

 

The idea is they stay in the middle... It is a command instrument, as such if it the bar is above middle and to the left. You need to turn left and fly up... Make a small adjustment and wait etc etc.

 

That help a bit?

Edited August 20, 2008 by Zorrin
removed pic of Vulcan and put 172 pit in ... d'oh

[hitman]

I get it now...I think. The little knob sets the decimal point, and basically any radio capable of UHF(?) can be used as an ILS radio, as long as the ILS is set to that specific radio. Pressing "C" selects decimal points on the radio? Im lost on that part. Yeah I got much to learn, just gets old flying by Control Center vectors. Ill check all the suggestions out...

 

By the way, the 172 in FSX has a glass cockpit. I wonder what model is designed in this screenshot...is it a B model? I take it back...there is only 1 C-172 that has a glass pit. Ill play with it after studies tonight.

Edited August 20, 2008 by hitman_214th

[Zorrin]

You should find a 172 with Steam Gauges too.

 

The way to work the Garmin G1000 is to treat it like a giant GNS430. So to understand it better learn the 430 series from the Garmin trainer.

 

The Glass cockpit actually makes life much much easier. It's just a case of understanding how the information is presented to you, and how you can change it to give you what you want to see.

[hitman]

Ok, so how do I activate the ILS in the 172? I found one with steam gauges...

[Zorrin]

Well it really is just a case of tuning in the NAV radio and making sure you have the right radial dialled into the VOR using the OBS nob.

 

The ILS consists of two radio transmitters that are on the airfield. One is lined up with the runway at the FAR end from your touchdown point - this is the localiser - the other is to one side (or somewhere else, but relatively close to the runway) and provides the glideslop.

 

They're constantly transmiting their signal along a very tight and narrow beam. The idea being that if you are flying straight down the beam you are on track with the ILS.

 

The only way to tell if you are "picking" it up is to ident it and if you look at the screenshot posted earlier. See the White Lines that form a cross in the middle? well you should also see two red/white flags next to the letter GS and NAV. If those flags are NOT visible, you are picking something up.

 

On the audio panel select NAV1/NAV2 which ever radio has the ILS frequenecy in it. If you can hear morse code bleeping then you have it - as long as the morse is the same as the ident you are expecting.

 

You then need to make sure you are able to receive the glideslope and localiser information correctly.

 

Picture the runway you are landing on, and then imagine a cone expanding from the threshold. You need to get your plane into that cone for the ILS to "work".

 

Again, apologies if I'm teaching to suck eggs...

Edited August 21, 2008 by Zorrin
Added the flags! d'ioh

[hitman]

I dont mind...Im going to learn this the hard way once I get out of school. Im just working on the head start.

 

Heres what I did:

Took off from JeffCo Airport (Denver) to Centennial (Denver).

I set NAV2 to 111.30 (ILS radio station freq)

Set the ORB to 347 (ILS Heading) for runway 35.

 

I saw the barber poles still while I did a touch and go. Dont think I recieved the ILS glideslope...wonder what Im doing wrong. Ill post a screenshot of it later, I better get back to studying for this final tomorrow. Ill consider this thread a crash course in air-nav. I appreciate the studies! Keep em coming, Im positive otheres will find this interesting.

[SUBS17]

FSX acceleration Hornet.

The Up Front Control Panel (UFC) of the F/A-18 could be quite difficult to grasp, because it deviates from a civilian A/P quite a bit.

 

COM Mode

The first thing to be noted is the UFC has basically two "levels" of operation. The "top" level is the COM mode. This is the mode the UFC is in by default, you know you are in this mode, because the indications will read:

 

 

GRCV

SQCH

CPHR

AM

MENU

 

This mode is simplified compared to the real one, since we don't obviously have the capability to encrypt ATC communications in FSX...So, the options about the Cypher or the frequency band will "act" like the real one, but will not have any impact on operation.

 

The most important controls in COM radios are the two channel selectors under the "1" and "2" Windows. These will control COM1 and COM2, respectively. Here we have another difference between real world F/A-18 and FSX. In the real one, those selectors can be rotated or pulled. Rotating the controls would select from a preset memory of 1 to 20 COM channels, while pulling would go into "Manual" mode, allowing for a direct COM frequency selection.

 

We have only implemented the Manual mode so, to select a COM frequency directly, pull the selector and the corresponding radio will go in Manual mode, showing an "M" in its Window, and the current COM frequency in the UFC Scratchpad.

 

Now, the COM radio is ready to accept input from the keypad. The input system is smart enough to allow to use shortcuts so, for example:

 

to select 128.375, dial 1-2-8-3-7-5-ENT on the keypad

to select 128.35, dial 1-2-8-3-5-ENT

to select 128.3, dial 1-2-8-3-ENT

to select 128.00, dial 1-2-8-ENT

 

Illegal input will be flagged with an "Error" flashing message, and you can correct an input by pressing the CLR button.

 

By using the two "VOL COMM1" and "VOL COMM2" knobs, you can select which COM you are transmitting to. The active COM is signaled by the "ON" indication on the UFC Scratchpad, when the frequency is displayed. Pulling again the Channel selector knobs, will return to normal operation.

 

Now, let's talk about the other modes, starting with the A/P. It's important to note that, apart for the "top" COM Mode, ALL the other modes are like sub-menus of the main COM mode. You "enter" a mode pressing the relevant mode key, and you "exit" from it, by pressing the same button again, thus returning to the top-level COM mode.

 

A/P Mode - Autopilot

 

Pressing the A/P button will enter into Autopilot mode. The Panel will now show:

 

 

ATTH

HSEL

BALT

RALT

CPL

 

 

It's important to note that, opposite to any civilian A/P, the F/A-18 A/P has been designed for speed of operation, not safety or passengers comfort. This means, there's no "preselection" of modes: when an A/P mode is selected, it will immediately engage and it will also turn on the A/P, if not already engaged. Of course, you can always manually turn on/off the A/P, by using the ON/OFF button when in Autopilot Mode.

 

To better learn autopilot modes, I suggest putting the left MFD screen on the ACL page, so you will be able to see all the Autopilot Annunciators, and the right MFD screen on HSI mode (should be default). To do this, press "MENU" on the left MFD, then press "ACL". On the right, press "MENU", then "HSI"

 

ATTH - is the Attitude Hold mode.

 

HSEL - Heading Select. It will mantain the Heading selected with the HDG selection bug. The HDG and CRS selection bugs are just under the Fuel selector. You can check the current selected heading on the HSI under the HSEL readout, and there's a bug displayed on the HSI as well. Note also, on the HSI, a "CPL HDG" readout will appear close to the airplane symbol.

 

BALT - Barometric Altitude Hold mode. This will set Altitude Hold mode at the CURRENT Altitude. There's no way to manually pre select a different altitude, Altitude mode here will always lock at your current altitude.

 

RALT - Radard Altitude Hold Mode. Not implemented

 

CPL - Coupled mode. This mode is a generic way to name all modes that are Coupled to something like a TACAN, and ILS or a WAYPOINT. What you are coupled to, depends on the mode that has been selected on the HSI screen. To change Coupling mode, select either "TCN", "ILS" or "WPT" on the HSI, to toggle between modes. NOTE: Of course, to use WPT mode, you first have to create a flight plan! Without a flight plan, the only modes available for coupling will be TCN and ILS.

 

Note the "CPL TCN" or "CPL ILS" on the airplane symbol. To select a Steering Course towards the station, use the CRS bug, and check the small "CSEL" readout on the HSI. By pressing the "CSEL" button on the HSI, instead, you can toggle on/off the visualization of the CRS indication for the HSI.

 

Pressing A/P button again, will exit from the Autopilot mode.

 

From

http://www.fsdreamteam.com/forum/index.php?topic=20.0

 

F/A-18 flight planning

http://www.fsdreamteam.com/forum/index.php?topic=80.0

 

Avionics map

http://www.fsdreamteam.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=249.0;attach=381

 

ILS approach

http://www.fsdreamteam.com/forum/index.php?topic=601.0

 

More stuff here:

http://www.fsdreamteam.com/forum/index.php?board=4.40

[SUBS17]

Hitman if you go to the lessons page you can access tutorials(learning centre/lessons) which will teach you all this stuff for basic IFR etc. You also get certificates if you pass each module in the civy jets/aircraft.:thumbup:

BTW the IFR checkride really sucks:D

[hitman]

Is that the one where I had to cross the english channel in the 172? I did that VFR.

 

Edit: nvm...tried it, pulled it off and the instructor kept telling me to speed up after I landed. You dont lower flaps past the white arc, especially in a Cessna. The tutorials show in no way how to set up ILS, TACAN, or VOR navigation systems. This be the info Im really looking for...

Edited August 21, 2008 by hitman_214th

[Zorrin]

I dont mind...Im going to learn this the hard way once I get out of school. Im just working on the head start.

 

Heres what I did:

Took off from JeffCo Airport (Denver) to Centennial (Denver).

I set NAV2 to 111.30 (ILS radio station freq)

Set the ORB to 347 (ILS Heading) for runway 35.

 

I saw the barber poles still while I did a touch and go. Dont think I recieved the ILS glideslope...wonder what Im doing wrong. Ill post a screenshot of it later, I better get back to studying for this final tomorrow. Ill consider this thread a crash course in air-nav. I appreciate the studies! Keep em coming, Im positive otheres will find this interesting.

 

You set it up in NAV2, that's why it didn't work.

In the 172 on FSX as per that screenshot you HAVE to use NAV1. VOR 2 does NOT have a glideslope receiver, VOR 1 does.

 

Why don't you try just starting on the runway, tuning in the ils to NAV 1 and setting the runway heading on the OBS.

 

Then go into slew mode "y" is the default key. Raise your alt by 1,000ft or so and then go backwards for say 6 or 7 miles.

 

You should find that the localiser bar (the vertical one) is central - you are after all lined up with the runway. You should now see the glideslope bar is at full deflection to the top.

 

You would also notice that the red/white flags next to NAV and GS should have GONE.

 

I'll probably have FS X running again by next week. I'd be happy to do a multiplayer plane-share and show you if you are still getting stuck.

[hitman]

Would that work if I have accelleration?

[SUBS17]

Is that the one where I had to cross the english channel in the 172? I did that VFR.

 

Edit: nvm...tried it, pulled it off and the instructor kept telling me to speed up after I landed. You dont lower flaps past the white arc, especially in a Cessna. The tutorials show in no way how to set up ILS, TACAN, or VOR navigation systems. This be the info Im really looking for...

 

The mission for crossing the chanel is not a tutorial, click on learning centre and then click on lessons. It covers pretty much everything Learner, PPL, CPL, IFR, ATP.:pilotfly:

 

I reccomend the Lesson 2 ILS approach.

You start in the air and it'll talk you through the ILs intercept for the IFR check ride I reccomend printing the approach charts. As well as the voice overs you also need to read the notes for some of these missions especially for the commercial pilot and ATP flights. And yes it all works the same for acceleration.

Edited August 21, 2008 by SUBS17

[hitman]

The mission for crossing the chanel is not a tutorial, click on learning centre and then click on lessons. It covers pretty much everything Learner, PPL, CPL, IFR, ATP.:pilotfly:

 

I reccomend the Lesson 2 ILS approach.

You start in the air and it'll talk you through the ILs intercept for the IFR check ride I reccomend printing the approach charts. As well as the voice overs you also need to read the notes for some of these missions especially for the commercial pilot and ATP flights. And yes it all works the same for acceleration.

Yeah I did that mission last night, and what I posted was a result of that. All Im trying to learn here is just General Aviation private pilots. I dont like flying them big cumbersome things that cant do aerobatics too well.

[Zorrin]

Get a copy of http://www.amazon.co.uk/Air-Pilots-Manual-Navigation-Instrument/dp/1840373229/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1219338192&sr=1-2

That will help you understand the intricacies of IFR for GA a little better!

[hitman]

Ooh wow...

[hitman]

Ran across this little gem today...its a flight manual for FSX for real world in-training pilots. Free download, the hard copy costs money.

http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0764588222,descCd-DOWNLOAD.html

[SUBS17]

I've beaten nearly all of the FSX Deluxe acceleration missions except for one the antennae package mission. I managed to pick up the 1st package ok but the 2nd one is a challenge. Anyone here managed to beat that mission? Regarding navigation I think the big jets are actually easier to use especially with the auto pilot the worst is the EH101.

[hitman]

I dont like the EH101 at all. I dont do sling loads, simply because hovering is the biggest PITA Ive ever encountered. I havent done much of the redbull races (havent tried them with my new ram installed, very laggy for me), but all the others were simple stuff.

 

I just flew my new B-36H all the way from Edwards AFB to Davis Monthan on nothing but radios, which is a feat for me! Even managed to get the ILS to work without much of a fuss. Ill tell you THAT wasnt very fun, but it was a milk run halfway through it.

[SUBS17]

Yeah the EH101 should be alot easier to fly since IRL it has FBW its got its good points though I like the rescue missions especially the road accident at night mission was mission without NVGs. I've done all of the redbull races some of them are quite difficult especially the one in the forest and you need a real good PC and reflexes to beat them.:thumbup:

[Zorrin]

I find the helis in FSX to be far to unrealistic. I mean who's ever heard of a JetRanger being harder to hover than an R22!