Intercepting the LOC is irrelevant to that.
I am not sure how many miles the reception of the LOC goes out to, but I remember 17 miles from flight school (could be wrong).
The x3 is basically because on a 3 degree glide path you are losing about 300 feet per NM.
So if at 4000 feet you were at 12 miles, u are more or less on the glide path.
If at 4000 feet u were at 9 miles, u know ure above profile and have to capture the GS from above.
Some guys multiply NM by 3.
Some multiply FL by 3.
Give a little different numbers. Would like to know myself which one is better used.
Last edited by WhySoTough; 8th Jul 2012 at 15:00.