This is a new problem for me. RC vectors me into Dallas for landing on RW 17L. I set the NAV receiver to the right frequency: 111.75, but when I'm about 25 miles out I check the identifier on the NAV signal, and I have the identifier for the localizer for RW 35R (it is the same frequency). I'm in the proper position, so why was I getting the back course identifier? Is this an RC problem, an FSX problem, or this something else entirely? I have the log for this flight if JD thinks its worth looking at. Alan

This is a well known FS9 and AFX problem where the same LOC frequency is used at the both ends of the same, or adjacent runways in a parallel situation. By default all FS LOC/ILS transmitters for stock airports back course properties are turned on. Unless within two degrees or less of the center line you will get the wrong localizer resulting in incorrect navigation indication for horizontal guidance and probably a "ghost" indication for the glide slope where one exists. You performed the correct procedure by checking the navaid ident and catching the error before you engaged the LOC/VOR or APP mode coupled auto pilot approach. The way around this are to use autopilot HDG control or manual steering turning inbound guided by a navigation display of a GPS or FMC created display until your heading agrees with the published inbound heading and then engaging the coupling when the correct ident is noted. The other option is for frequently used airports to use the freeware airport editor ADE9X or payware AFX depending on if an add-on scenery or default is being used to modify the add-on afd type file (AF2_, ADE, AFX_ or similar or create a new layer from default resources and turn off the back course property of the conflicting LOC/ILS navaids. The freeware AFCAD editor in certain situations depending on the tool used to create an add-on afd type file may strip elements from the scenery. AFCAD is also limited to FS9. This is not an RC related problem nor does it affect RC data/opertions since in version 4 RC does not care about back course facilities.

Ronzie, thanks for the detailed answer. Though the airport editing you described is probably much beyond my poor capabilities. I was in the default CRJ-700, so I'm thinking I could have pressed the BACK COURSE button on the autopilot and been guided onto the localizer, then maybe switch it off and see if my NAVAID could pick up the correct signal. Anyway, I won't be so surprised next time. Thanks.