How To - Autopilot Operation

[richboy2307]

The F406 autopilot system comprises of two units: the Autopilot Control Panel and the Autopilot Mode Selector. Both units are used together as they provide different functionalities and modes of operation.

 

Autopilot Control Panel

1. Pitch Command Wheel: Rotate to increase or decrease the pitch of the aircraft. Each click of this wheel changes the pitch by 0.6 degrees.
   Note: this is not the same as commanding a vertical speed target.
    
2. Roll Knob: Rotate to initiate a turn, successive clicks of the knob increase the angle of bank.
   Note: the turn will continue if the knob is not centred.
    
3. Autopilot (AP) / Yaw Damper (YD) Master Switch: Move the switch up to engage both AP/YD, or down to engage YD only. The system is OFF in the centre position.

 

Autopilot Mode Selector

1. Heading Mode (HDG): Captures and maintains the heading selected on your HSI using the HDG SEL knob. 
    
2. Navigation Mode (NAV): Captures and maintains the course selected on the HSI.
   Note: this is slaved to the CDI mode toggle on your GPS unit. When set to GPS mode it will instead follow the active GPS flight plan leg. 
    
3. Altitude Hold Mode (ALT): Commands an immediate level off and maintains altitude.
   Note:  the simulated AP does not have an altitude preselect function. This function was optional and not installed as default equipment.
    
4. Glide Slope Mode (GS): captures and tracks the glide slope associated with an ILS.
5. Back Course Mode (BC): Captures and tracks the back course of an ILS.

Note: all the buttons also act as mode annunciators, indicating the status of the relevant mode being either ARMED or ENGAGED.