I have noticed that when the last waypoint is too close I don't get the runway assignment until I fly over the airport...which of course is too late...I am currently doing a tour with VOR nav only...this means the last waypoint will always be the VOR at the destination airport. That's how I hone in on it. I have maintained that PFE should utilize waypoints, but should not be dependent on them. Runway assignment should be determined by Distance to airport alone, regardless of the waypoints. I hope this will be updated, and make a great program even better.
Why would you create a fpl with the last waypoint being the airport VOR???
That's not how it's done so don't expect PF3 to behave correctly.
There is nothing wrong in using the airport VOR for navigation purposes. But as part of a flightplan it isn't done.
Runway assignment should be determined by Distance to airport alone, regardless of the waypoints.
First you are not dealing with the real world you have to account for the sim ATC. In other words PF3 has to try to match what the AI is instructed to do when determining the active runway.
Second runway assignments are based on wind direction not on where you are. Except when using default ATC which is incorrect (Default ATC will assign you the nearest runway which is incorrect procedure). In other words the landing runway is the landing runway whether I am on Earth or Mars!
Third if you try to create a fpl that doesn't make sense then don't expect a sensible response from PF3.
Fourth in the real world ATC will send you to a holding point at the end of a STAR and descend you from that point wherever it may be. Their decision is not based on how far that wypt is from the threshold.
Fifth
Runway assignment should be determined by Distance to airport alone, regardless of the waypoints.
That is not how it is done in the real world!
The only times runway assignment is a problem is when there is a crosswind which is a problem within the sim. That said PF3 does quite often get around that. For example I have often been allowed to continue when the AI is cleared to land on the opposite runway. They overshoot!!
Dave isn't going to make any changes to PF3 code that is incorrect procedure in real life.