As far as I can tell I am following all of the FMC procedures correctly, etc. Yet, I never reach an altitude low enough to intercept the glideslope. For example, KCLE-KORD27L. I begin the FMC descent to 2000, intercept the localizer, but always end up about 500-1000 feet above the glideslope. Also, the speedbrakes do not seem to be very effective in slowing the aircraft.I have flown the tutorials, for example, KDEN-KLAX, and observed the same behavior.The only way I have found to achieve speed and altitude control is to perform manual descents beginning before the calculated tod. But, this seems to be defeating the purpose of the FMC.Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Just a rough rule of thumb: Descend to 2,000' AGL , before you reach the outer marker. The glideslope intercepts the OM at about 2,000' AGL. You can get the OM from any approach plates (eg. Simplates). You will no doubt have the fix (which is the OM) in the approach from the FMC menu, but unless you know which one actually is the OM then you won't be any better off. The appropriate chart will tell you this.Bruce.

Just a shot in the dark but maybe this post can assist you. Could be you are missing a certain step? http://forums.avsim.net/dcboard.php?az=sho..._id=12455&page=[h4]Best Wishes,Randy J. Smithhttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/betaimg.jpg

Hey Bruce,that's weird, mostly i get the OM at around 1500AGL...though i mainly fly in Europe, weird..Cheers

Thanks, brucek.Your comment reminded me that I was not paying much attention to the altitude of each waypoint. I guess that I assumed since the FMC knew I making an ILS it would bring me down to an intercept point. Once I changed my final waypoint (just outside the OM) to 2000AGL, everything has worked very smoothly. Another proof that although computers are pretty handy, they are only as smart as the people pushing the buttons. In this case, I let mine down badly!Thanks again.

You're very welcome.