How do you execute a perfect ILS (Instrument Landing System) landing?

Question

Whenever I execute an ILS landing, the plane's main and nose wheels are never exactly aligned with the runway markings (they are supposed to).

I am NOT a real pilot, just a PC pilot who is hooked onto Flight Simulator.

By the way, the plane in question is the Boeing 737-400

Just some details on the approach, set speed is 160 IAS, gear is down, flap position is 30. 10~20 seconds before touchdown, autothrottle and autopilot is off and the airspeed range (IAS) is from 110~140.

Answer 1

They are "supposed to" line up, now will they always, no.... but if you go to any large airport with alot of airline traffic, you will see that just about every landing is performed within a few feet of the centerline... but we have thousands of hours of practice... as for landing on the computer, you should disengage the autopilot well before you get to the runway and only make very slight corrections... also, you might try to fly the approach a little slower...

EDIT: Do not use the rudder very excessively on approach as the guy below said, if you punch it too hard, you can actually roll the airplane at slow speeds, or cause a wing strike, thats bad... even worse, severe landing gear damage can be caused by landing with the nose gear already deflected...

Answer 2

I'd start with using the Autopilot, and see how it handles different wind angle, night/day, pitch attitude (on the Attitude indicator), and vertical speed indicator. Once you see how the computer does it, then you can start to click off the autopilot before the aircraft touches down, and after some practice, you should be able to hand fly the whole approach by hand.

A key in playing the flight sim is to use very gentle input, or change the sensitivity on your joystick, because abrupt input when you're close to ground usually means you won't land on the spot you aim at.

Trust me, real planes are much easier to fly than flight sim.

Answer 3

I'm not instrument rated, but I think I recall AOPA having approach plates. Also, are you familiar with the AOPA Real Time Flight Planner software? That is a great source and I'll betcha a ground loop in a Citabria that you'll find it there!

Answer 4

Just like in real life! Geting exactly on centerline is the best landing but rarely do aircraft land exactly on centerline. The only way to get better and closer is practice practice and more practice.

Or use a Cat 3 certified auto pilot -- even they dont hit dead center 100% of the time.

Answer 5

establish a wind correction before getting to the Initial Approach Fix.. once your begin your descent establish a power setting that will maintain a stabilized decent rate and speed.. make small early corrections and a constant rate of descent...

Answer 6

Once you have the runway in sight, forget the instruments,
hand fly it visually to the runway , small corrections are going to give you more precision.

Answer 7

you need to make slight corrections by using the rudder. when your coming in and your a little off than you use your rudder to make the corrections. also you might be hitting cross wind. change that by going into the weather section.


good luck

Answer 8

STAY ON LOCALIZER AND GLIDE SLOPE.