So I got that MD 83, and I took it on a quick flight to see how it flies.. I flew from Vancouver to Seattle/tacoma, and landed on rwy 16L

Well the systems are nothing like I am used to (that FMC is quite something!)

It all worked OK (at least for my first time ever attempting such a system  ) until the landing.. I didn't crash or anything, and it was actually a pretty nice landing.. But it was on the side of the runway.. I wasn't able to take a pic, because it was happening all to quick, and I was online so there is no instant replay 
but I did a basic ILS approach, the FMC automatically put on approach hold once I was in range, it looked like it was lining up good, it was straight on, just it was off to the right of the runway...

the only autopilot I had on during landing was just Approach hold.. I shut off everything else when I was still a couple miles out. I don't know if that is what I am suppose to do? Is there a fully automatic landing that I am suppose to do?

I am somewhat new to the idea of ILS. Although I have done them before, they have always been skeptical.

If someone could help my dellema I would be thankful!

Safe landings! (just not with me!  )

I believe that the ILS transmitter buildings are generally situated at the side of runways...radiating the signal from the side?
...(you would not want to collide with them in the centre of the runway!)... ....

For that reason, I suspect that pilots always switch the Autopilot fully off...and finally land using manual control adjustments only.

I always switch the Autopilot completely off, and re-trim, on final approach..

Paul...FS 2004... ...!

I am using the FSND MD 83 located here:

what is really funny is I tried the same landing again, (I did a touch and go the first time) and I ended up on the other side of the runway 

Here is some pics:

This is what the autopilot is set to:


Everything looks good here:


I am on virtually the same flight path I took the first time (A little off to the right)


But instead of being on the right side, I ended up on the left!!!


I have not tried piloting this aircraft since... I am afraid the passengers might tell my boss


But really... 2 landings.. the same settings... and I landed on the opposite side of the runway.

BTW the runway is 16L of Seattle/Tacoma airport.

I will try turning off the autopilot once I am within visual range, but I thought the hole purpose of ILS is "Instrument Landing System"... meaning it automates landing (almost?)

But thankyou for the help! I will try these suggestions (and some ideas of my own) So stand clear!!!  You will never know were I will crash impact land. Safest bet would be to stay in the bunker! 

michaelb15 wrote on Nov 22^nd, 2012 at 7:41pm:


The autopilot should only be treated as a tool, guiding you in the general direction of the active runway, at the correct glide-slope heights....step by step.
Make sure you are intercepting the glide-slope at the correct height above ground, depending upon your distance from the runway.
It is not designed to fully land you automatically...safely!

...and make sure that you are landing on the correct end of the active runway, following the advice from ATIS.
(Note the use of the "BC" (back-course) button on your ILS Radio).

Paul...FS 2004 + FS Navigator... ...!

Brett_Henderson wrote on Nov 24^th, 2012 at 7:06am:


Well said!