KLAX ILS question

[dhplane]

This question was probably addressed somewhere in the forum but I haven't been able to find it.

KLAX has 8 runways with 8 ILS approaches, but only 4 ILS frequencies, one for each runway combination (i.e. 25L/7R). My sim (FSX) treats half of these approaches as back course approaches (reverse sensing and no glide slope), but the approach plates show them as full ILSs.

Is this a problem with my sim database or (more likely) am I missing something?

Thanks as always for the help.

[Shawn Goldsworthy]

In the real world there are actually 2 separate localizers and glide slopes for each runway. The controller has the option of selecting which ones to turn off and on based on the active runways. That is not a reality in the sim world. FSX for me in the past (same with X-Plane) will switch the LOC to the proper side depending on what side of the runway you are currently flying on. For example, if you are east of runway 25L the sim will automatically turn the 25R LOC/GS on. If you're west of that same runway, it will turn on the 7R LOC/GS. FSX should be changing this for you automatically.

[rtataryn]

Even though the localizers share the same frequency, they have unique 3-letter identifiers. They are separate full ILS approaches. As Goldsy pointed out, the tower controller in RW makes the switch for which ILS is broadcast on that freq.

Note that in the simulator, even though it will automatically make the switch to the correct localizer for you, it will not switch the 3-letter identifier and morse code, which can be confusing and give the impression that you are flying the wrong localizer.

[dhplane]

Thanks for the explanation, guys, that makes a lot of sense.

I'll try to figure out why the east-facing approaches are behaving as a back course, although it's no big deal because the airport seldom operates in that direction... I was just curious, and I learned something new.

Thanks again!