Question LandNavigation MFD

[Agra Barecasco]

Is there any MFD that can be used to accurately land on a runway?
that is,so you can align with the runway from far far away,

the HSI just give you the clue about the runway when you are really near. (is it true in the real world?)
for a heavyweight vessel such the Vanguard,, that's a problem....
I must pass the base first to match the HSI, then circling (far) around to align with the runway.....

 

[Andy44]

You could set up a VOR station right next to the middle of the runway, which should have a much longer range. It won't give you vertical cueing, but it will help you line up left and right.

 

[pattersoncr]

You do have a point Agra. ILS in Orbiter does seem awefully short ranged.

 

[V8Li]

It's not uncommon to have ILS as far as 20-30 miles away (depending on terrain and other stuff). From what I can remember ILS in Orbiter is activated 30Km away, so it's about there. In real world you're not doing Mach 1 or so when landing so that's why it's hard to use it at first. As already stated, there's alway VOR which should be used 300Km away for a basic heading and ILS when close and maybe 5-6 deg off.

Off-topic: don't use Orbitersim if you want to learn more complex atmospheric flying. I'd suggest www.flightgear.org (it's free)

 

[garyw]

and don't forget you have Map MFD which if you use to select a base will give you a steering cue in the HUD

 

[Tommy]

It also helps to know what the runway headings are. Simply add a zero to the end of the runway number (ie. Runway 33 becomes 330 degrees) to get the heading. THat way you can approach the base from the correct direction if you'll be coming straight in. It won't be perfect, but you'll be close enough to adjust when the runway comes into visual or VSI range.

If you will be coming in crosswise, try to pass about 20 k from the end of the runway, and use a HAC to get on alignment. You'll be well within visual range by the time you cross the runway (recommend about 800 m/s velocity and 20k alt), then just maintain a constant G turn AWAY from the runway. As you lose velocity the turn will tighten in a spiral and 270 degrees later you will be fairly well lined up for final. An example of that is at the end of the Home Direct tutorial over at OH (requires XR-2)