Good morning/evening/(night?) gentlemen,I've been simming since FS4. So, I am somewhat experienced, but there's one thing I never ever managed to do correctly - an ILS approach. Maybe I'm doing something wrong (or maybe, then, I'm just not good at this!). In FS2004, for instance, I've tried setting just NAV1 to the correct ILS frequency, and I've also tried setting both NAV1 and NAV2 to that frequency - and then going into APP mode, of course, that I know -, but to no avail. I've tried intercepting the glideslope at 4000 ft, 3000 ft, 2000 ft, but the result is always similar (read: not good). Here's what happens: the aircraft usually veers suddenly to the right, or starts to climb at a very steep angle (about 45 degrees) or worse, like a combination of both. What am I doing wrong (at least I know it's wrong...)? I know the default FS2004 aircraft/autopilot are not designed to do full autolands, but there must be a way to do a decent approach using localizer/glideslope so as to bring the aircraft at least to the runway threshold. I just want the aircraft to intercept, and follow, the localizer and glideslope - is that possible? If so, how?Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.NicolasCYOW

Do you have your course set and the autopilot on? Instructions for landing with ILS should be in the Learning Center. Look for the section on the autopilot. For more advanced information, check out:http://www.navfltsm.addr.com/ils.htm

Craig,Thanks for the quick reply and the link. I do have the A/P on and the course set, but the aircraft almost always starts doing sudden turns (even when perfectly aligned with the runway) and climbs. It is puzzling me.NicolasCYOW

What plane(s) are you using? Start with the default Cessna 172 and work your way up. Is the Autopilot disconnecting when this happens? It might be a joystick calibration issue.

Thanks for the suggestions Craig,I've tried it with several planes, with similar results. I'm not using a joystick (and not touching the keyboard when AP mode is on) so this cannot be an issue. In addition, the autopilot is not disconnecting. Maybe my copy of FS2004 has a mind of its own... :(NicolasCYOW

You should have nav-1 tuned to the ILS frequency and your nav heading set to the ILS heading. Set up to intercept the ILS at about a 30 degree angle and below the glide slope. Once you're set up for intercept, activate approach mode. Make sure you're at the proper approach/pattern speed for your aircraft. Control authority of the AP is limited so keeping the right speeds and configuration matters. In larger-faster aircraft allow plenty of time (distance) for the autopilot to lock and stabilize. Around 10 to 13 miles is a good distance for a heavy jet. Drop gear at GS capture. This helps as a reminder to get the gear down and helps to keep the system from loosing GS lock. Do not overfly the GS. If you do everything as outlined above you'll get a fairly quick and easy capture on heading followed by lock up on GS. Usually, if you loose it in MSFS it will be the GS that goes. If the approach goes to worms then just go around and try again or disengage the AP and fly it manually. On full ILS approaches I usually take over at around 500 feet if the runway is visible.Hope that helps.TonyDigital-Flight

Additionally, if flying IFR, make sure that your NAV/GPS switch is set to NAV. If set to GPS, the plane will attemtp to follow your flight plan.Also, I have occasionally discovered a runway here and where, for whatever reason, I get the same behavior (30R at KMSP, for example). So you could also try a different airport. I'd also recommend readong up on the procedure, and start simple- perhaps one of the default Cessnas.Hang in there... you'll get it!