Newbie questions: AP pitch hold, ext tank fuel usage

[PicklePicklePickle]

Hello,

 

Just learning the F-16 and have 2 questions I can't seem to answer, i'm sure I probably missed some startup step:

 

1. if I try to use the autopilot by selecting PITCH ALT HOLD, the switch doesn't stay in place, it always reverts to A/P off, why could this happen?
2. Whenever I load external wing tanks, i check the QTY using EXT WING setting, it never goes down like the fuel is never used. With the switch on normal, eventually i get a 'FUEL' warning on the HUD and joker, bingo, etc, but the EXT WING tanks never seem to go down at all. Any ideas? I also tried setting EXT FUEL TRANS to WINGS FIRST, which made no difference, but i don't think it should since I don't have a center ext tank anyway.

 

I realize one or both might just be the state since it is early access, but figured I'd ask.

 

Thanks!

[=Panther=]

1: Make sure your Trim/AP Disc switch is in norm. 
 

2. Make sure your Air Refuel switch is closed. You should not see a Blue RDY light in the right indexer that is right next to the HUD while flying. Unless you intend on refueling and opened the door.  
 

My bet is item 2 is the cause of both failures as a aerial refuel door open prevents A/P function and the external tanks from pressurizing. 

Edited March 4, 2021 by =Panther=

[Florence201]

Panther is spot on with her diagnosis IMO 

[Glide]

12 hours ago, =Panther= said:

My bet is item 2 is the cause of both failures as a aerial refuel door open prevents A/P function and the external tanks from pressurizing.

And 1 is caused when the door is left open.

[PicklePicklePickle]

The air refuel switch was the problem, thank you very much!

[=Panther=]

22 hours ago, PicklePicklePickle said:

The air refuel switch was the problem, thank you very much!

Glad to help anytime. Tackling a sim can be intimidating, just need to take it in bite size chunks until you can master it all. Good luck with the Viper.