FSX-MS Cannot Capture Localizer.

[coldhoist 1]

Four out of five of my flights, the airplanes has trouble capturing the localizer. How far out or close in should I activate the approach button? I am activating the approach button about 25 miles out. But I end up being about a mile or two off on approach. What am I doing wrong? It is very frustrating. Thanks

[charliearon 3,024]

Are you using ATC for guidance?  Is this an IFR or VFR flight?  Normally, I would pickup the ILS MORSE code about 28 miles out and as ATC would give me a turn at about 30 degrees from the runway heading, that's when I would activate the APP/APR button.  If you are at the correct height, you should intercept the ILS at about 16 miles out to make the final turn towards the runway and intercept the Glideslope.

[stans 703]

25 nm out may be a bit too far from the localizer, most localizers have a maximum range of 18 nm and at that range you have to be no more than 10 degrees from either side of the localizer beam.  At 10 nm the beam width expands to 35 degrees to either side from the center.  Also, you cannot be too high or too low, altitude for capturing the localizer beam decreases the closer you get to the localizer.  Make sure your NAV 1 radio is tuned to the localizer frequency. 

[fppilot 4,371]

Which aircraft?  Which avionics?  Which airport?  Please provide adequate information to receive help.

[jmdriskell 178]

Get the approach plate for the airport and follow it.  25 miles is way to far.  Generally considering a 3° glide slope, you should encounter the glide slope somewhere around 6 or 8 miles from touchdown.

Jim Driskell

[rfresh737 36]

I would say you want to be about 12 miles out and then press the APP (Approach mode) button. Then you should be able to capture the Loc with a 30 degree intercept angle just fine. Of course make sure you have tuned your nav radios to the Loc frequency.