I think he means the latest soft contains a 3 degree glideslope coding to any vfr aerodrome. This means you could fly it coupled to an AP…
Well, sort of.
You can, of course, program in any sequence of user waypoints, so you can create a T shaped procedure and a missed approach pattern.
The GTN creates an FAS, with sensitivities in both horizontal and vertical planes to almost all runway ends in the AIP.
What you won’t get is sequencing between the Initial Approach, FAS and Missed Approach, so you’d have to do a bit of button pressing…or the instructor can.
It’s not ideal, but probably more useful than using a BBC transmitter as a faux NDB.
I also do a lot of training into VORs, mainly DVR.
When based in the UK with Calais and/or Cherbourg for your practice approaches do you file a VFR plan and just call them up on the radio in bound telling them you want to practice or do you need to telephone them and book a slot . (Assume you are not landing)
It is not too common to book slots for practice approaches in France. There are some airports that may require that (Beauvais comes to mind), but not common. The worst that can happen is that there are multiple other aircraft doing the same thing, but that could be looked at as an opportunity to practice holds. If push comes to shove, you could practice those approaches VFR (except at Calais due to the nuclear plant) in which case you do not have the same separation requirements. I would also file a customs PPR in order to have the option to land.
Surprised nobody has mentioned Gloucester. I’ve done a couple of renewals there.
In my area, aka the frozen North, Doncaster is also OK, although I admit we mainly use it because it’s convenient for us.
Hi, just as an update. We managed to update our GNS530 nav database.
We went for the yearly subscription and did it ourselves. From memory it was circa 400 euros including tax. Thankfully the data card and reader played ball.
So, thank you for your helep and advice.
Next challenge is to get the DME working properly as it seems to “go to sleep”. It works in the morning and then drifts off in the afternoon. Our avionics guy thinks it is not holding the frequency. He has recommended Avionicare in Southend. Has anyone else used them?
Our other option is to take it to the USA, as we operate there regularly, and get an avionics shop in the States to do it. Any other ideas from anyone?
I am about to download the Garmin trainer onto an old Windows XP laptop. I have been watching plenty of instructional “howto” videos on Youtube. Every day is a learning day in aviation..
I flew 7 hours VFR from EGHP to LPSO (Ponte de Sor) for the Air Racing last week (at the Air Summit). Initially La Rochelle and then Braganca and then Ponte de Sor. Apart from a bit of weather around Bilbao it was fine. No autopilot though! I have been wanting to fly down to Portugal for a long time. It was really great and surprisingly straight forward.
Anyway thank you once again.
There are some good tips here but I am wondering if there is some updated advice given a lot has changed since 2018!
Which airports would you recommend with 1) a variety of approach procedures (i.e. ILS + RNP etc.), 2) no complicated booking requirements / slots and 3) low pricing.
Preferably anything within ~300nm from the south of the UK!
@TimR, the usual suspects are:
EGMC – ILS all
EGMD – ILS 21 + RNP all
EGSC – ILS 23 + RNP all
EGTC – RNP all (glidslope is out and Loc might be out as well soon)
EGTK – ILS 19 + NDB 01
EGKA – RNP all
EGKB – ILS 21, but it is a pain to book for practice approaches (i.e. without landing).
Heard nothing good about Bournemouth / Southampton – sometimes some people are able to fly some approaches there. :)
I think if you are North and/or East of London, then the most common combo for ILS + RNP is EGMC + EGSC, as both allow advance bookings, some use EGMC + EGMD (same), most other places can’t guarantee that things will happen a few days before.
Thank you for these!
I’m particularly interested for options on the continent given the UK is often a bit of a nuisance for a variety of reasons:
Unfortunately, in the UK it is pain! I’ve found that EGMC + EGSC are OK if you book in advance, as well as EGMD (that one could be ILS+RNP), everyone else requires a booking on a day.
About the approaches on the continent – try the folks that fly there, like @Ibra for example – he should be able to confirm where in the Northern France you could find (and book in advance if needed) ILS + RNP approaches for instrument practice.
