This thread has provided an opportunity to ask a question that's bothered me for a while:

1) when you intercept the ILS using the autopilot in a real aircraft, do you have to be descending at the same rate as the glideslope to prevent the lurch downwards that often occurs when selecting APP in a certain Microsoft programme?

2) similarly, can the autopilot turn the aircraft to intercept the localiser accurately without the over-correction that happens in flight simulator?

(Please forgive the comparison - it's the only reference I have!)

Nick

I don't know anything about microsoft flight simulator, but if the autopilot is flown properly and the airplane is properly configured and prepared for the approach, then the transition should be very smooth. The airplane needs to be configured and on speed, and if the autopilot is engaged, the transition to glideslope capture is often seamless.

If the aircraft is equipped with autothrottle, the pilot needs to ensure that the proper localizer intercept angle is made (too much angle and too much speed leads to an overshoot or a rapid turn, or flying through the localizer), then simply arm the autopilot. If everything is done properly, the aircraft will intercept the localizer, fly to the glideslope intercept point, and reduce power when the glideslope captures. All the pilot need to is lower the landing gear at that stage and apply the final flap setting, if appropriate.

There should be no jerking, or overshooting, if everything is done properly.

Nick, have you tried the PMDG aircraft. Although I'd imagine they don't fly exactly like the real thing they don't lurch downwards on the ILS and maintain 3 degrees nose up and a steady -700ft/m to -800ft/m

seems you don't all agree
 

Taken from another thread re airbus bemoaning degradation of manual flying skills.

I'm sure the passengers notice the difference with the automatics off, and some regular flyers will start questioning why things aren't as smooth as they normally are.

Pilots could be rostered for an hours manual flying in the sim once a month, but that would cost money..........http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/sr...lies/worry.gif