Tips for doing visual approaches

[Theaver]

1. Start your approach by tuning in the ILS code and activating the ILS system but do not activate VOR/LOC! Use the ILS diamonds to see if you are too high or too low and if you are too far to the right or left

2. Use autothrottle during the approach. It helps reduce the workload of maintaining speed

3. Remember that a 737 won't move as fast as a tiny light aircraft! Make sure you get lined up correctly at least 5 miles from the runway so you don't have to make lots of crazy adjustments.

4. Add flaps to slow down the aircraft. Put down the gear somewhere between 15-20 miles out.

5. Do not make sharp corrections as the aircraft will go all over the place. Manoeuvre the aircraft slowly.

6. Do not flare on the approach. Start the flare when you are about 20-50 feet above the runway.

7. If the aircraft doesn't flare correctly, or you are not  in the correct position to land, don't make sharp turns and steep descents. Go around.

That's it! Some tips might not be right so you can correct them if you want. More will be added later!

[bradl]

How about:

"If Available, use the Glidepath"?

Tuning the LOC is definitely what you'll need to do, especially if joining the approach from more than 15 miles out. RW speaking for any of the 24s or 25s at KLAX, you can pick up the LOC out near KSBD, which is roughly 60nm out. For ILS 25L/R at KLAS, the IAF is 41nm out. So you could pick that up, follow the altitude crossings on the approach chart (if applicable), then follow the glidepath the rest of the way down. Note that I said glidepath and not glideslope. There is a difference between the two.

BL.

[Captain Kevin]

1. Start your approach by tuning in the ILS code and activating the ILS system but do not activate VOR/LOC! Use the ILS diamonds to see if you are too high or too low and if you are too far to the right or left

You have to be careful with this one since not all runways have ILS available, so this might not be doable.

2. Use autothrottle during the approach. It helps reduce the workload of maintaining speed

While it does help to reduce the workload, you also want to be careful. When the auto-throttle is linked to the autopilot, the auto-throttle can at least make necessary adjustments to maintain a speed based on what the autopilot is programmed to do, whereas if you are using the auto-throttle with the autopilot off, the auto-throttle can't predict what it is you're going to do.

3. Remember that a 737 won't move as fast as a tiny light aircraft! Make sure you get lined up correctly at least 5 miles from the runway so you don't have to make lots of crazy adjustments.

I have a problem with the wording with this one. In most cases, you're not wrong, but when you start throwing in approaches like Kai Tak runway 13, Canarsie approach into JFK runway 13 left or right, DCA river visual runway 19, LGA visual 31, that doesn't work.