IvanK Posted December 26, 2008 Posted December 26, 2008 A question to the developers after flying and reading everything on this subject I can get my hands on. Exactly what level of autopilot is working when ? These are my thoughts but it would be nice to have it confirmed. If the ROUTE mode is engaged and all 4 Blue Autopilot switches are illuminated then the Auto pilot will fly the aircraft along the the selected route as detailed in the PVI/INU. If none of the PVI mode switches are selected in Route mode the Auto pilot will actively fly the KA50 along the present heading and altitude. This is akin to engaging an autopilot in most fixed wing aircraft. If the ROUTE mode is not selected and the 4 Blue autopilot switches are selected the Autopilot provides damping/stabilty augmentation in all three axis. This is exactly the same as in FD mode except that the Nav system provides Flight director commands to fly the current route as a function of the selected mode switches on the PVI ins panel. If all PVI mode switches are deselected then the FD commands are based on last trimmed Attitude and altitude. So the auto pilot function with FD selected provides the very same damping and stability augmentation as when its not selected, the only difference is FD provides steering cues. Finally with all 4 Auto Pilot blue lights deselected NO damping or stabilty augmentation from the AP is provided.
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