Hi Folks, What happens in the real world when you track a VOR on auto pilot? In FS9.1, when you overfly the VOR the autopilot ceases to track the radial and you have to swithch to heading mode or fly manually. If you let the autopilot keep tracking the VOR into the 'zone of confusion' you can end up flying in circles. But is this what happens in the real world?Cheers,Noel.

As the sophistication of autopilots varies, I would imagine their response to the lack of information from the OBI or HSI would also vary. I've seen sites describing how to use a VOR, but none describing in enough detail to understand what aspect of the signals changes with the relative direction from the beacon. I imagine the high vertical angle has some significant effects on signal phase and directional propagation of the signal(s).In many cases a pilot would be executing a turn, crossing multiple radials in a SHORT period, while in that close proximity anyway.Don't forget that the horizontal distace is what matters and can be MUCH shorter than the slant distance shown on your DME, especialy at cruise altitudes for jets. In the simulator I figure on a switch to manual or heading hold anytime I'm within a distance within twice my altitude.

Thanks, Robert, for your reply. I am much obliged for your explanation and suggestions. Cheers,N.

Good flying technique has the pilot switching the AP to heading mode before overflying the VOR and when the needle swings on theindicator, switching the NAV radio to the next VOR and reengaging AP NAV mode when a signal is received and verified.

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Thanks for the link, Johan. A great site when you are enjoying a Senior Moment.JackD

Noel.The autopilot system in FS "As Is" cannot track into and out of a VOR station without a lot of oscillation or "overshoots". Back in FS98 I made a few adventures that incorporated such a feature, changing radials, tracking inbd on one radial and out bound on another, by simply programming the modes that would normally be switched by the autopilot(type I used RW).As I was accustomed to the autopilot on the aircraft that I flew being able to do just that and knowing how this was accomplished.There are many different autopilot systems and functions. In the 707 the autopilot in VOR/LOC mode would track the selected radial and when crossing the VOR automatically switch from the VOR signal to the heading reference based on the Capt's selected course for approximately 120 - 140 seconds, it then reverts to normal VOR tracking and in so doing prevents nuisance corrections while in the cone of confusion. Once the heading mode is engaged by the autopilot the course changed or new radial can be dialed in without the aircraft chasing the change.Some autopilots, includind FS, my not support this feature and therefore requires the pilot to manually switch to HDG or heading mode until station passage with a good To/From indication.Maybe in the next version they will incorporate this or maybe they will remain true to form and keep the fs community hungry with drips and drabs.Douglas