How must a pilot set up their guidance systems for a MLS approach?
1. Set up the approach profile in the flight management computer (FMC)
2. Select the published channel number
3. Request the approach course from ATC
4. Select an approach profile in azimuth and elevation
Refer to figure.
This question is not strictly covered by any particular learning objective (but could be argued to be part of general understanding "between learning objectives" perhaps), and is also a little ambiguous, as there are multiple different ways of displaying and setting up straight-in, segmented and curved MLS procedures. Annoyingly, there are currently no known MLS approaches in use around the world. Nonetheless, it can still be answered without too much difficulty.
Microwave Landing Systems (MLS) are an improved method of guiding aircraft on approach to the runway, similar in accuracy to ILS, but with the capability for aircraft to fly segmented and curved approaches (if properly equipped), as well as reducing any multipath interference by blocking out signal areas. They were tested in the late 20th and early 21st century, but were far more expensive and only slightly more useful than the up-and-coming GNSS systems (now LPV approaches, GBAS, etc.), so never became widely used.
To program them into the aircraft requires the channel number, angle of azimuth offset (relative to the extended centreline) and angle of glide path, as in the figure above. More complex systems can input the segmented and curved approaches.
To address the other options, ATC do not give approach courses for instrument approaches, those are charted. The approach profile in the FMS could be a possible answer for the more complex approaches, but given that 3 is not correct, and 2 is correct, it must be 2 and 4.
Note: the feedback on this question is not perfect, but has been followed as precisely as possible, so any further exam feedback would be appreciated. It can be put in the comments or emailed to [email protected], thank you.
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