Im still learning with the PMDG, and I was wondering what the correct way to make an approach is.

 

Here are the two ways I have been using..

 

1. Ignore ATC only use it to get the runway info, then use the ILS 16L STAR (example) to guide me in using LNAV

 

2. The other way I use it is use the ATC the whole time and follow the LNAV route until ordered to turn to heading 345' (example) which guides me away from my FMC route, then I follow the ATC that will guide me in to the runway

 

Which way is the correct way? Using LNAV/STAR for approach, or use ATC and turn on headings, and listen for descent and alititude orders?

 

Is there some way i am supposed to be using both? Please explain a bit, still learning.

1 is the more popular avenue. Though I can almost never get the runway I want and or have prepped for.

Always number 1. The only way to get good ATC is to go online, so I just fly without it now (other than take off/landing clearance).

 

 

Using real world weather will prep you for the correct runway 99 times out of 100.

1 is the way I do it. FSX is many things, an ATC sim is not one of them... :rolleyes:

If you file a flight plan, and are going into an airport with a proper approach file, you can request the right approach from atc on descent.

If you file a flight plan, and are going into an airport with a proper approach file, you can request the right approach from atc on descent.

I've found that's only the case with some particular airports, very few have the transitions built into the FSX default ATC.

 

Regards,

Ró.

I usually disregard ATC completely, and base my RWY choice on the weather report for my arrival airport, so basically option 1.

Or get an addon like ProATC/X and do it properly. ^_^ When I was still using FSX ATC I would usually follow ATC's guidance: if I really wanted to fly a STAR I wouldn't use ATC at all.

 

When you use FSX ATC the only correct way is to follow ATC, obviously. Otherwise there is no use in using it at all. The problem simply is that FSX ATC sucks a little and it will never be realistic. For that you will need an ATC addon. But imho following ATC, even though it sucks, is more realistic then not using ATC at all and simply follow a STAR on your own. That's not something you would do in real life.

FSX = Ignore default ATC

Pro ATC?

 

Does it control the AI from mytraffic? It seems like pro ATC is coming along nicely but I'm not sure what's in and what's not at this point. I like hearing ATC talk to other AI. I like AI talking to ATC during Clearance del. Not sure if pro ATC has this.

 

On topic I use fsx ATC until near tod. Then I cancel ifr and request flight following. That way I keep ATC and no one asks me to do anything other than frequency changes. So I'm free to use my own star and keep ATC.

Ditto on what the others said....ATC blows. I use it only to get my departure runway, then maintain radio silence the rest of the trip

Does it control the AI from mytraffic? It seems like pro ATC is coming along nicely but I'm not sure what's in and what's not at this point.

 

Not yet. But it will in time. Until then I use default FSX ATC as chatter in the background. ^_^

Enter the STAR into the flight plan you file with FSX before you begin the flight. Many STARs don't vary with Wx or runway, they are based on your arrival bearing so they are usually easy to predetermine and add to your flight plan.

 

FSX ATC may let you fly part of the STAR but often chooses a very real-world option of "Vectors to Final" soon after. That's not unrealistic as many airports take control of you early into your STAR. It's just "simplistic" because in real life sometimes you fly more of the STAR.

 

Many FSX airports provide Approach options for the destination runway and you can pick them once ATC has given you the runway. If you choose such an approach, ATC will maintain authority over your altitude but LNAV is up to you at that point.

 

To me, that's not a bad compromise.