Non-IFR pilot instructed to intercept LOC

[jordane93]

Don’t private pilots have to track a VOR on the checkride ? Or is my memory failing me.

Not necessarily a VOR. But they have to intercept and track a course/radial/bearing. Could also be GPS.

 

[luvflyin]

but there is a knowledge expectation about a VFR pilot knowing how to “intercept the ILS”, which was the instruction given to the OP. That carries additional expectations related to altitudes and performance that a VFR pilot is not aware of. As others have noted, the frequency for the localizer is also not on a VFR chart, so where is a VFR pilot to get it in flight.

unable is a fine response.

Or 'what's a localizer?

 

[Tarheelpilot]

Not necessarily a VOR. But they have to intercept and track a course/radial/bearing. Could also be GPS.

So what’s the deal? Atc just was asking the OP to track a course. Not fly an approach.

 

[jordane93]

So what’s the deal? Atc just was asking the OP to track a course. Not fly an approach.

Looking back during my primary training, I don’t think I knew how to dial in an ILS and track it. Probably the same for the OP. Not a huge deal to say unable.

 

[Larry in TN]

but there is a knowledge expectation about a VFR pilot knowing how to “intercept the ILS”

ATC has no way of knowing if the pilot of a VFR flight is a "VFR pilot" or if he has the equipment, or knowledge, of how to track a localizer. They expect the pilot to tell them if the pilot is unable to comply with a given instruction.

 

[bflynn]

ATC has no way of knowing if the pilot of a VFR flight is a "VFR pilot" or if he has the equipment, or knowledge, of how to track a localizer. They expect the pilot to tell them if the pilot is unable to comply with a given instruction.

true, but not the context of the comment, which was responding to “it’s not illegal for a VFR pilot to track the ILS”. Not illegal, but well outside the knowledge level.

The OP responded with an unable.

 

[Tarheelpilot]

Looking back during my primary training, I don’t think I knew how to dial in an ILS and track it. Probably the same for the OP. Not a huge deal to say unable.

I can’t remember that far back. That’s why I asked. I don’t think it’s a big deal either. Do it if ya can or say unable if ya can’t. Trying to figure out why it’s a big deal.

 

[Palmpilot]

The way I remember it. everything's a big deal when you're new.