Cessna 210 Centurion / Turbo Centurion 210C; 210D
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 180; Flight Crew Total 3200; Flight Crew Type 1200
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Unstabilized Approach
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
Houston Center was providing Approach Control service. I was receiving vectors for the ILS 32 at BFM. I was given the final turn and told to hold that heading (about 300 degrees) until intercepting the localizer and cleared for the approach. As I continued the approach; it became obvious that I would not intercept the localizer outside the final approach fix. When my DME showed me inside LURDE (the final approach fix) I called Houston for vectors to try the approach again. The turn they gave me was back toward the localizer; which I did finally intercept; 2 miles inside LURDE. Had I not gotten the vector toward the localizer; I estimate that I would have intercepted over the airport. I fly this route often and when the ILS is required; it is typical to have vectors inside the FAF and have to try again.
IFR Cessna pilot voiced concern regarding ZHU's handling of vectors to the ILS for BFM; noting that frequently the subject vectors are too shallow and the intercept is inside the FAF.