Ask Captain Lim ~ All about Aviation

Aloha Capt Lim,

My name is Alexander Gunther and I am fourteen. I am getting extremely good at flying the Boeing 737-200/400/700, Boeing 717-200 and the Boeing 767-300 on the FS 2002 of course... ! I am also a controller for the Honolulu ARTCC for vatsim (vatsim.net) and I have my whole life planned out, haha!

I want to become an Aloha Airline pilot, flying the 737-200 (noisy little devils) inter-island.
I have a couple questions for you:-

1. I usually set the NAV1 radio for runway ILS frequency and the NAV autopilot on runway bearing heading. What does the APR hold do? I have tried using it and it doesn't control the glide slope. I don't even think it controls the localizer. Am I doing something wrong?

2. Any suggestions for a young inspired pilot like me? Should I start on my private pilot lessons soon?

Thank you for your time. I have enclosed a picture of me landing a Boeing 717-200 in Lihue, Kauai...!

Alexander Gunther.

Hi Alexander,

Well done on your FS 2002 simulator flying! This is a first good step to achieving your dream of becoming an Aloha Airline pilot.

1. The APR (Approach) Mode is used to arm the ILS so that when your airplane is properly flown towards a particular Runway, it would capture the profile provided the correct frequency is tuned and the airplane is at the right speed and configuration. If it does not control the glide slope or the localizer, then you have not captured the approach. Your ILS frequency may be incorrect or something is wrong with the software. I have not flown the Boeing 737 on the FS 2002 and I cannot give you an accurate assessment.

2. A Private Pilot License is an advantage if you wish to pursue an airline pilot career in the future.