Autopilot

[Tango]

* Dumb Question *

 

Do you fly with the AP modes enabled all the time, or only when you want them?

 

I find that if I hold the trimmer key down, it seems easier to control than not, and if I disable the AP functions, it seems to be more unstable (but I prefer that)?

 

What is the recommended configuration to fly in?

 

I've stopped using auto-hover now, too. ;) Seems it is a little buggy though (i.e. doesn't hold the hover properly).

 

Best regards,

Tango.

[V1Rotate]

This has been answered so many times now and its in the FAQs, but anyway...

 

AP on, all modes engaged, height/altitude hold is considered optional. The trim when held down interupts the autopilot or autohover modes, when released the autopilot will hold the new heading/attitude.

[Tango]

Hi,

 

Sorry, I should be clearer.

 

I know how the AP works - is it considered "abnormal" to fly WITHOUT the AP engaged? :)

 

Best regards,

Tango.

[V1Rotate]

yes

[V1Rotate]

Yes.

AP on, all modes engaged, height/altitude hold is considered optional.

 

And when I say all modes I mean all autopilot channels.

[Tango]

Thanks! :)

 

Best regards,

Tango.

[Shepski]

The best mode for general maneuvering is the flight director mode with the heading, pitch, and bank channels selected. You the have all the stability and trim benefits but don't have to fight the autopilot.

[Shrubbo]

Or you harden the ^&%$# up and turn 'em all off ;)

 

Not realistic as such as in rl they have to be on but if you like to fly for the fun of flying then it is much more fun to turn the damn things off. They do help you fly as an auto in a car helps you shift gears, can even be faster... but a stick shift is more fun :)

[Hotdognz]

I agree the KA50 is much more fun to fly of the tarmac with no AP modes engaged, while i understand that having the AP on is the normal operational procedure for the KA50 I prefer them off.

[AlphaInfinity]

The interesting part is with the flight director and how you get the aircraft to follow way points automatically. Even after watching the nav movie, I havn't been able to figure this out yet. Using the mission editor, I setup four way points and have had no luck.

 

I guess I better RTFM some more.

[Tartan_Piper]

The interesting part is with the flight director and how you get the aircraft to follow way points automatically. Even after watching the nav movie, I havn't been able to figure this out yet. Using the mission editor, I setup four way points and have had no luck.

 

I guess I better RTFM some more.

 

You have to select desired track or desired heading switch on the Auto-pilot panel. Then engage route mode to get the autopilot to fly to your selected waypoint from the PVI.

[takamba]

If the Flight Director is activated, the autopilot will give you diffrent advices on the HUD (like: Bank, Pitch, Altitude, Speed) how to steer the aircraft to the next waypoint selected in the PVI. In this mode you have to steer the aircraft manually! Not shure, but I think you should press and hold trim while steering the aircraft to the new settings?!

 

If you want the aircraft to follow the route automatically, Flight Director Mode should be deactivated.

[AlphaInfinity]

You have to select desired track or desired heading switch on the Auto-pilot panel. Then engage route mode to get the autopilot to fly to your selected waypoint from the PVI.

 

Thanks Piper! I will read up on engaging route mode.