When performing VOR approach, HEGN, RWY34 (PMDG 737-700) I'm facing an interesting challenge. The VOR approach is rather straight forward down to FAF. Despite its an old fashion approach I still think its quite instructive and exciting approach. What I find really difficult is basically to know in what way to initiate constant angle decent from FAF and down to MDA. (VNAV excluded!) Should I try using V/S based on my landing speed Vref -> listed in the chart? Level out at MDA and make decision?

 

Sincerely

 

-Geir

V/S is usually the best choice if you're not going to use VNAV. Most operators use VNAV or IAN for VOR approaches. G/S unserviceable is usually the only time I'd use V/S.

V/S is usually the best choice if you're not going to use VNAV. Most operators use VNAV or IAN for VOR approaches. G/S unserviceable is usually the only time I'd use V/S.

 

Thanks for your reply. I understand VNAV is the best best choice down to MDA today. And manually if runway in sight. (MDA). I actually though one needs ATC approval before performing VOR with VNAV. One more question. Take a look at the included recording published at youtube. I presume it's an older 737. Part 3 shows the final turn before FAF, HEGN RWY 34. Any clues on on "how" they get from FAF to MDA? It really looks pretty smooth. V/S?

 

 

 

Sincerely

 

-Geir

Thanks for your reply. I understand VNAV is the best best choice down to MDA today. And manually if runway in sight. (MDA). I actually though one needs ATC approval before performing VOR with VNAV. One more question. Take a look at the included recording published at youtube. I presume it's an older 737. Part 3 shows the final turn before FAF, HEGN RWY 34. Any clues on on "how" they get from FAF to MDA? It really looks pretty smooth. V/S?

 

 

 

Sincerely

 

-Geir

I don't think you need approval for VNAV from ATC - they really don't have any idea how you'd do your vertical navigation, anyway. At least, you don't in the countries I've flown to.

 

It was hard to see what controls the pilots were moving. I don't think I heard an A/P disconnect, so he might have been hand-flying the whole time. If the weather was good, the might have simply stayed at the platform altitude until the VASI started to show them on profile and then start down.

I actually though one needs ATC approval before performing VOR with VNAV.

 

Nope. When you're cleared for the approach, you are cleared for that entire procedure, at whatever speed you choose, following whatever method meets the requirements of the procedure necessary. Some instructors teach pilots to "dive" at the next altitude as soon as they meet the last altitude restriction. Others teach the more elegant method of using your ground speed and a rate of descent table to keep a constant descent through the approach. Your approach path will be protected by the controller.

 

As far as ATC is concerned, as long as you're in the spot, altitude and speed that they expect you to be, they really don't care how that happens.

V/S or FL CH?

Autopilot or handflown?

Tracking a LOC or radial with LNAV and the magenta line, or flying it on raw data tuning the radios?

 

No approval necessary, as Matt mentioned.

Performing VOR approaches with heading not in line with the rwy is sometimes quite common I think. Do pilots adjust for "offset" when going visual? For instance 1000ft (RA)?

 

-Geir

One more question. Take a look at the included recording published at youtube. I presume it's an older 737. Part 3 shows the final turn before FAF, HEGN RWY 34. Any clues on on "how" they get from FAF to MDA? It really looks pretty smooth. V/S?

 

In this approach, after flying the HGD 156 degree radial out bound and a procedure turn as depicted within 10nm of HGD, there is no FAF designated (with a maltise cross becuase the VOR is located at the airport). Therefore, in the absence of a FAF, descent to MDA/H is made once the aircraft is established inbound on the final approach track, the HGD 358 degree course.

Do pilots adjust for "offset" when going visual? For instance 1000ft (RA)?

 

Yep!