First Coupled ILS Approach in a VL3?

[Matt Ricciardi]

Factory pilot Joren Vermeulen completed what might be the first coupled ILS approach in a VL3 this afternoon, under IFR but in VMC.  The G3X Touch autopilot performed well.  Geo-referenced approach plate displayed on a PFD split-screen.  Near-idle power while riding the glideslope down at 500 FPM and still doing 114 KTAS.

[Barry Fluckey]

I’m assuming he was doing a low approach!  Getting slowed down at minimums, configured and landing might be a little hairy in bad weather!

[Matt Ricciardi]

1 hour ago, Barry Fluckey said:

I’m assuming he was doing a low approach!  Getting slowed down at minimums, configured and landing might be a little hairy in bad weather!

Don't know if it was a low-approach, but the weather was severe clear.  Speed management is important in a VL3, like you say, given the relatively low flap and gear extension speeds.  Can't just drop everything and slip it in like an old Cherokee!  I haven't played around with the VNAV functionality much yet, but seems like it would be useful for descent planning and execution.

[Barry Fluckey]

VNV works very well on my current aircraft with a Garmin navigator. You could set it up to be at IAF altitude 1mile outside the fix to give you time to slow down and configure. Subject to ATC of course.!