I finally got the hang of langing my aircraft and using the autopilot. When I get within 10nm's of the runway on approach, I change my Autopilot to NAV and switch on the APR function. After that, it looks like my plane will make it to the runway, but it keeps missing it. I also add the ILS frequency into the NAV1 radio.

My question is: Am I supposed to switch off the autopilot about a mile from the runway and guide the plane into the center of the runway? I understand that the APR on autopilot is supposed to line you up with the center of the runway, but it does not happen that way for me. So, what do you do to accomplish this.

Bruce C
VASX2003.COM Stock Exchange

Yes, I switch it on when I enter the green triangle, but you say that I should be only a few degrees off the heading matching the runway? Then, what do I do? Just turn off Autopilot and land the plane manually?

Thanks, Paul. That makes sense, but what I am saying is that if I turn off the autopilot 100ft from the runway and flare up, I end up landing on the taxiway or the grass. My aircraft flies along the glide slope altitude-wise, but it still does not line up with the runway. I don't understand why. I enter the correct ILS frequency from the runway and the autopilot flies the plane in the same heading as the runway number. But for some reason my plane just goes everywhere except for the runway.

By you telling me that I am doing it right, I feel very encouraged. And now you want to fly the same route in the same plane? I don't think there is anybody nicer than you.  

Ok, the details, if you will:
Aircraft: Learjet
Airport: KDCA (Washington Ronald Regan)
Flight Plan:
ILS Frequency: 109.90
Runway #1
Heading of 1 (wait a minute, is it supposed to be heading of 10 or 1 for runway 1?)
I flew the downwind leg after heading south from KJFK (JFK in NY)

I may have just found my problem. If it is runway one, is my heading supposed to be 10 or 1? Am I supposed to multiply by 10? if not, then i guess you can do the approach from your end.