Regional Jet 700 ER/LR (CRJ700)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 100; Flight Crew Total 10500; Flight Crew Type 7000
Human-Machine Interface; Situational Awareness
Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew FLC Overrode Automation; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Environment - Non Weather Related
Just prior to the ZALPO FAF during a coupled ILS [Runway] 22L approach to JFK at 1;800 FT MSL; the localizer began deviating about 2 dots left and right. The deviations took about 5 seconds between 2 dots left to 2 dots right and continued for about 20 seconds. Before and after the deviations; the localizer was stable and appeared to be accurate. The autopilot was in APPR mode and was attempting to turn left/right to chase the localizer; so heading mode was selected to stabilize the aircraft. After the localizer deviations ceased; the localizer was reengaged with NAV mode and the glide slope was rearmed with APPR mode. The remainder of the approach was normal. The glide slope did not appear to be affected. The incident occurred during day VMC conditions. Had this incident occurred during IMC conditions and particularly below 1;000 FT AGL; a missed approach would have been warranted. An Airbus A380 was about 6 NM ahead on short final or on the runway during the incident. I suspect that this aircraft interfered with our localizer reception. When conducting ILS or LOC approaches during IMC conditions; a greater distance than 6 NM behind the A380 may be necessary to insure stable and continuous localizer reception for aircraft using the localizer and following the A380.
A CRJ700; six miles behind an A380 on approach to JFK Runway 22L; experienced localizer deviations two dots left and right of center while the A380 was on short final and landing roll.