How do I fly an ILS approach in MSFS 2020?

To fly an ILS approach in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, tune the runway’s ILS frequency, set its inbound course, select the radio navigation source, and intercept the localiser from below the glideslope. Arm approach mode, confirm LOC then G/S capture, configure for landing, and land manually unless the aircraft explicitly supports autoland.

MSFS 2020 ILS setup: step by step

1. Choose the correct ILS procedure. Confirm the runway, ILS identifier, frequency, inbound course, intercept altitude, decision altitude or height, and missed-approach instructions. An RNAV or localiser-only procedure does not provide the same guidance as a full ILS.
2. Load the approach. If the aircraft has a flight-management system or GPS, select the ILS runway and an appropriate transition. Loading the procedure creates waypoint sequencing, but it does not necessarily tune the radio or engage the autopilot. When ATC gives vectors, use heading mode rather than activating a transition that sends the aircraft back towards an unwanted waypoint.
3. Tune and verify the ILS. Enter the ILS frequency in the active NAV1 radio, not merely the standby window. Set the published inbound course where the cockpit provides a CRS or OBS control. Integrated airliners may tune the frequency automatically, but verify the displayed frequency and station identifier rather than assuming they are correct.
4. Select the correct navigation source. In a conventional GA cockpit, change the CDI source from GPS to VLOC or NAV so the instruments follow the ILS receiver. Airliners handle source selection differently, but their primary flight display must show valid ILS indications.
5. Intercept from below. Hold the published or assigned intercept altitude and approach the localiser at roughly a 20–30-degree angle. The aircraft should be below the glideslope when the localiser comes alive; trying to capture from above is one of the most common causes of a failed or unstable approach.
6. Arm approach mode. Press APR or APP as appropriate for the aircraft. Some Boeing-style procedures use VOR/LOC first and APP afterwards. Watch the flight-mode annunciator: the localiser should capture before the glideslope changes from armed to active.
7. Configure early. Reduce to the correct approach speed and extend flaps and landing gear according to the aircraft’s procedure. Do not expect the autopilot or autothrottle to correct an excessively fast, high or badly configured intercept.
8. Monitor to minimums. Cross-check heading, altitude, speed, localiser and glideslope throughout the descent. At the published decision altitude or height, continue only with the required visual reference; otherwise execute the missed approach.

Our detailed MSFS ILS walkthrough covers the tuning, capture and landing sequence in additional cockpit detail.

How does ILS setup differ between aircraft?

Every aircraft follows the same localiser and glideslope beams, but radio tuning, source selection and autopilot mode names differ.

The precise level of automatic tuning depends on the stock aircraft or add-on being flown. Trust the active frequency, navigation source and flight-mode annunciator rather than the presence of an approach in the flight plan.

What should the instruments show after capture?

The flight-mode annunciator should show the localiser and glideslope as active modes, while both deviation indications remain close to centred.

Before capture, LOC and G/S normally appear as armed. On capture, the autopilot turns onto the localiser and later begins descending on the glideslope. The illuminated APP button alone is not proof of capture; if the annunciator still shows heading hold or altitude hold with LOC and G/S merely armed, the aircraft has not acquired the beams.

Why will the ILS not capture in MSFS 2020?

Most ILS capture failures come from the wrong navigation source, incorrect frequency, poor intercept geometry or approaching the glideslope from above.

• No localiser movement: check that the ILS frequency is active, the identifier matches the runway, and the instrument is using NAV or VLOC rather than GPS.
• Localiser captures but glideslope does not: verify that the selected procedure is a full ILS, arm APP mode and return to an altitude below the glideslope. Do not descend aggressively to chase it from above.
• APP remains armed: reduce the intercept angle and make sure the aircraft is within reception range and crossing the beam. A late 90-degree intercept is unreliable.
• The aircraft turns the wrong way: check for the reciprocal runway’s ILS, an incorrect inbound course or accidental back-course operation.
• ATC leaves the aircraft too high: do not force a steep capture. Reposition for another intercept at the published altitude or go around and try again.
• Guidance is displaced from the runway: conflicting or outdated airport scenery can misalign the localiser. On PC, temporarily remove the affected airport package from the Community folder and test the default airport.

Does ILS approach mode land the aircraft automatically?

APP mode does not by itself provide an automatic landing in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.

Most GA autopilots track the ILS but must be disconnected before touchdown. Autoland requires a suitably equipped aircraft, a compatible ILS, the correct landing configuration and properly implemented aircraft systems; some airliners also require multiple autopilot channels. If those conditions are not explicitly met, disconnect at the appropriate point, stabilise visually and land manually.