Hello,IN FS2004, I was on an IFR flight from Copenhagen to Amsterdam. My IFR flight plan was filed in Copenhagen, and I went along the high altitude airways to Amsterdam.Then, as I was approaching Amsterdam, after a descend to 2,000 ft., I was not directed to the ILS for runway 19L, where I was supposed to land according to ATC. Instead, ATC switched to VFR and asked me to report runway in sight???!!!???No, My IFR flight plan had not been cancelled at any time!I am going to get an alternative to the default ATC very soon, as I have experienced so many mistakes and errors in the two months I have been flying in FS2004. There has not been any improvements since FS2002; it has almost become worse!Nico

19L is a backcourse approach. FS9's ATC does not know about the backcourse approach, so it will give u an visual approach instead. A visual approach does not mean you're flying VFR.

Section 5-4-20 of the Aim:a. A visual approach is conducted on an IFR flight plan and authorizes a pilot to proceed visually and clear of clouds to the airport. The pilot must have either the airport or the preceding identified aircraft in sight. This approach must be authorized and controlled by the appropriate air traffic control facility. Reported weather at the airport must have a ceiling at or above 1000 ft. and visibility 3 miles or greater. ATC may authorize this type approach when it will be operationally beneficial. Visual approaches are an IFR procedure conducted und IFR in visual meterological conditions. Cloud clearance requirements of 14 CFR91.155 are not applicable, unless required by operation specificiations.Notice the "operationally beneficial". Saves a lot of time. http://mywebpages.comcast.net/geofa/pages/Geofdog2.jpg

And so what? I was not flying in real life, I was playing Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004!And in FS2004, you only get the "report runway in sight" when you are not flying IFR!Appearently, runway 19L at EHAM is a back-course ILS, which ATC (in FS2004!) seems to not be able to handle (=guide me to the ILS and get me established on the localizer).But thanks! for section 5-4-20 of the Aim! Yes, wow, saves me a lot of time, this operationally beneficial thing! Very helpful in Microsoft Flight Simulator!Nico

>And in FS2004, you only get the "report runway in sight" when you are not flying IFR!http://hifi.avsim.net/activesky/images/wxrebeta.jpg

I am truly sorry my answer did not save you time.It did answer your question though..and probably took me more time to find, and type than you to read it.Glad you appreciate the help!http://mywebpages.comcast.net/geofa/pages/Geofdog2.jpg

Thanks Geof,Peter Sydney Australia