hey i'd like to know if there is a way to tune to the ATIS of my destination while im still on the ground just so i dont get all muddled up when it come down to landing and stuff if there is way pls do let me know...
plus is there any math calculation as to when and how much the rate of desent is to landing and when i should start cause all my landing are ILS on Auto Approach and id like to try my own with out coming nose first ALL THE TIME... and at around 200 knots...peace...

viken, you can check out your destination easily enough by just saving your flight before takeoff, and then using 'Alt/World/Go To Airport' to skip ahead. Check whatever you like and then 'Escape out' and reload your flight. However, if you're using 'Real Weather,' don't be unduly surprised if conditions have changed when you arrive.

As for approaches, the rule for a comfortable, unhurried descent (in pretty well all aeroplanes) is three miles forward for every one mile (say 5,000 feet) down - so if you're at say 33,000 feet in an airliner, you should start your descent at about 100 miles out. Sounds like overdoing it, but you'll find that it works out.

Also, if you're using auto-throttle, reduce the set speed to 250 knots or less as you start down. You'll be flying much faster than that in the thinner air at altitude, of course, but it will adjust itself naturally as you get lower down. Once you're closer in (i.e. within 30 miles) and shaping for the approach, reduce to 220. Then say 180 for lining up, with 5 degrees of flap, and then 140/30 degrees of flap/gear down as you start the final approach.

As to the rate of descent on landing approach, 600feet/minute is usually about right - but you should let the autopilot organise that if your using ILS. If you're flying manual, keep an eye on the rate of descent gauge - though of course you'll likely find that the ILS indicator and the VASI lights beside the runway (try to keep to two white, two red) are better guides. And remember, 'power for height, pitch for speed' and no sudden movements, small careful movements of the controls and give her time to respond.

Generally, be sure to get suitably 'low and slow' well out from the airport - say get down to landing speed, full landing configuration, and say 140 knots at least 8 miles out, preferably more like 10,  That should give you all the time you need to take things easy and pull off a 'greaser' every time.

Capt.Propwash wrote on Oct 25^th, 2009 at 9:24am:


That link won't help at present - as the Avsim Library is not up and running.

Google does not return anything using Metarlive either.

Any optional DL sites for that program?

It is available at Flightsim.com -




Name: metarliv.zip Size: 52,187 Date: 09-30-2006 Downloads: 619
FS2004 METARlive v0.21. METARlive is an add-on module that allows you to quickly access metar (weather) information for any airport that offers weather observations. This module was mainly implemented due to Flight Simulator's lack of ATIS availability during multiplayer sessions. By Mike Richer.


Hope that helps.

Check out the inexpensive payware program RealATIS.  Takes care of a myriad of thngs related to this.

best,

................john