Thanks in advance for any responses. The problem relates to what is displayed on the PFD HSI and moving map display when an ILS approach is selected in the Garmin 430. Example: I have activated “vectors to final” on the Garmin 430, I have the correct localizer frequency set in, the localizer and glideslope are alive and the autopilot has captured the localizer. So far so good. The problem is that the HSI is still showing me on base leg and the final approach course is not set up. It is as if I am still on vectors and on the base leg. I have to manually set the final approach course in. Any ideas? Sorry, but I’m having a problem explaining it.
Jim,
Since my plane is not PFD equipped I’m not sure but I suspect it relates to your changing from GPS to VOR mode manually on the 430. If you do that before the course automatically switches to the localizer you can get this “anomaly”
Might I respectfully suggest you consider joining COPA. This will allow you access to the members forum where this problem has come up several times. There are numerous posts that will help you explain what happened.
If you fly a Cirrus on a regular basis it will be the best $50 you ever spend on flight training. Even if you don’t the amount of useful information available on the member’s side is mind boggling.
In reply to:
Jim,
…I suspect it relates to your changing from GPS to VOR mode manually on the 430. If you do that before the course automatically switches to the localizer you can get this “anomaly”…
I agree with Jerry’s diagnosis–have had it happen twice to me, once in a '20 and once in a '22. Both times at the same airport!
I also agree that joining COPA will be the most worthwhile $50 you ever spent in aviation.
Thanks Jerry. I’ll give serious consideration to joining COPA. I assume from your post and the other gentleman’s that you use GPSS to perform the intercept to the localizer. Do you then let it change to VLOC on its own or do you manually switch to VLOC after the intercept is accomplished?? At what point do you activate the “approach” function on the STEC? Thanks for the response.
Jim,
What I do - and remember I fly a plane with the Sandel display rather than a PFD - depends a little on whether I’m expecting vectors or a full approach. With about 99% of my flights vectored I load the approach fairly early on. As soon as I start getting vectors I will activate the approach, check to see that the Sandel “autoslews” to the correct course, then I switch to VOR on the 430. I fly heading mode to follow the vectors and will push HDG and NAV on the autopilot so that both are engaged. When I finally intercept the HDG light will extinguish and the autopilot will track the localizer. Assuming I’m also in ALT mode once the localizer is being tracked ALT GS will illuminate and when I intercept the glideslope ALT will extinguish and I’ll be on both the localizer and glideslope.
The Garmin will automatically switch from GPS to LOC but I just prefer to do it myself. That way I KNOW it’s done.
There are a number of variations that one can use and while I usually load the approach with vectors many (possibly most) COPA members will load with an IAF as well and then bypass it. Again, these variations are all well discussed on the member’s side.
The important thing though is to be sure the LOC course is transmitted to the HSI or PFD before you switch out of GPS to VOR mode.
Hope that helps.