Localiser intercept outside 25nm into BFS
I operate regularly GLA-BFS on a 'bus and we usually are given a heading to intercept the 25 localiser when still 40-45 miles to run, which in practice means that if we arm the LOC we will get capture still well outside the range promulgated in the AIP (dangers of false LOC capture etc, etc). The 'bus has the software to allow us to intercept and track the extended centreline from the allocated heading , which more or less corresponds to the LOC signal, and then once within the 25nm we can arm the LOC mode and call 'established'.
It seems to be to be a bit of a grey area as for a period of about 15 miles we are essentially BRNAVing to the LOC.
Anyone in ATC any thoughts on the implications of the initial clearance?