How To - Autopilot Operation

[richboy2307]

Overview

The iniBuilds F406 has a two-axis autopilot that controls the ailerons and elevators. There is no auto-throttle, the power levers must always be controlled by the pilot to achieve the desired target power and/or speed. 

The Yaw Damper functions independently of the autopilot and can be engaged in conjunction with the autopilot or independently to provide basic yaw coordination.

Engaging the Autopilot / Yaw Damper

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.

	1. Ensure the Inverter is switched ON by selecting 1 or 2.  There are two identical inverters installed in the F406. Selecting either one will provide the required AC power to the autopilot.
	2. Select the desired AP/YD position on the Autopilot Control Panel. The AP Control Panel is found on the center console.   Move the switch up to engage both AP/YD, or down to engage YD only. The system is OFF in the centre position.
	3. Verify engagement on the Autopilot Mode Selector. Autopilot engagement is confirmed by the green AP indication.  All the buttons on the AP Mode Selector also act as 'mode annunciators', indicating the status of the relevant mode being either ARMED or ENGAGED.

Disengaging the Autopilot

There are 3 ways to disengage the autopilot:

	Yoke Press the red Autopilot Disengage Button. Note: to re-engage the autopilot after using this button you must press it again to re-arm the autopilot.
	Center Console Select the OFF position on the Autopilot control panel.
	Keybind Assign a key or controller button to the AUTOPILOT OFF function via the control settings.

Heading Hold Mode (HDG) 
In this mode, the autopilot captures and maintains the heading selected on your HSI using the HDG SEL knob.

	1. Set your target heading. On the Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) use the (1) Heading Select knob  to select the desired (2) target heading.
	2. Press the HDG button. Press the HDG button on the Autopilot Mode Selector to engage Heading hold mode. The aircraft will turn towards and track the selected heading on the HSI. Engagement is confirmed when ENG is displayed on the button.

 

Altitude Hold Mode (ALT) 
In this mode, the autopilot commands an immediate level off and maintains present altitude.

	1. Press the ALT button on the Autopilot Mode Selector. Engagement is confirmed when ENG is displayed on the button. Note: The F406 autopilot does not have an altitude preselector and is only able to maintain the altitude at mode engagement.  The preselector was optional and not installed as default equipment on this type.

Commencing a Climb or Descent 
The simulated autopilot can maintain a desired vertical speed target set using the Pitch Command Wheel on the Autopilot Control Panel.

	1. Ensure ALT is disengaged. If the Altitude Hold Mode (ALT) was engaged, disengage it by pressing the ALT button in the Autopilot Mode Selector. ENG will disappear when the Altitude Hold Mode is disengaged.
	2. Use the Pitch Command Wheel to set desired vertical speed target. From the Autopilot Control Panel move the wheel up or down to select a higher or lower vertical speed target respectively to initiate and maintain a climb or descent. You can see your present target via the Tooltip or by observing your Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI)

Quote

Note: The altitude preselector is NOT installed on the iniBuilds F406.
It is recommended to reduce the pitch attitude as you approach your desired altitude to provide a smooth transition onto the Altitude Hold Mode when selected.

Tracking a VOR Radial or Localizer course (NAV - VLOC)
The autopilot uses Navigation Mode (NAV) to capture and maintain the course selected on the HSI to a VOR or LOC.

1. Set desired VOR /  LOC frequency on NAV1 radio. Select the VOR (or Localizer) frequency in NAV1 using your preferred GPS unit.

2. Ensure the GPS CDI is set to VLOC mode for tracking. GNS430 The active mode is displayed on the bottom left corner of the GPS unit. If GPS is displayed, press the CDI button to toggle to VLOC instead. GTN650 The active mode is displayed at the bottom of the GPS unit. If GPS is displayed,  a. Press HOME button. b. Select Default Nav page. c. Press CDI button. d. VLOC1 will display as active mode.   3. Set desired course on the HSI. Use the (1) Course Selector Knob to select the (2) target course to be intercepted and maintained. 4. Press the NAV button on the Autopilot Mode Selector. The autopilot will now intercept and track your desired VOR or Localizer course. Engagement is confirmed when ENG is displayed on the button.

 

Tracking a GPS Flight Plan
The autopilot uses Navigation Mode (NAV) to capture and maintain the active GPS flightplan.

1. Ensure the GPS CDI is set to GPS mode for tracking. GNS430 The active mode is displayed on the bottom left corner of the GPS unit. If VLOC is displayed, press the CDI button to toggle to GPS  instead. GTN650 The active mode is displayed at the bottom of the GPS unit. If VLOC1 is displayed,  a. Press HOME button. b. Select Default Nav page. c. Press CDI button. d. GPS will display as active mode.   2. Load and activate your flightplan. If SUSP or OBS is displayed, press the OBS button until the indication above the button is blank.  Note: the autopilot will NOT automatically sequence or follow the next leg otherwise. 3. Press the NAV button on the Autopilot Mode Selector. The autopilot will now intercept and track your GPS Flightplan. Engagement is confirmed when ENG is displayed on the button.

 

Tracking an ILS 
The autopilot simulates a coupled approach (APP) mode via the NAV and GS buttons to capture and track the localizer and glide slope associated with an ILS.

1. Set desired ILS frequency on NAV1 radio. Select the ILS frequency in NAV1 using your preferred GPS unit.   2. Ensure the GPS CDI is set to VLOC mode for tracking. GNS430 The active mode is displayed on the bottom left corner of the GPS unit. If GPS is displayed, press the CDI button to toggle to VLOC instead. GTN650 The active mode is displayed at the bottom of the GPS unit. If GPS is displayed,  a. Press HOME button. b. Select Default Nav page. c. Press CDI button. d. VLOC1 will display as active mode.   3. Set desired course on the HSI. Use the (1) Course Selector Knob to select the (2) target ILS course to be intercepted and maintained.             4. Press the NAV and GS buttons on the Autopilot Mode Selector. The autopilot will now intercept and track the Localizer. The Glide Slope mode (GS) is ARM until the Glide Slope is captured. Engagement is confirmed when ENG is displayed on the button.   Glide Slope mode (GS) mode is now ENG, Altitude (ALT) mode automatically disengaged, and the autopilot is now tracking both the Localizer and the Glide Slope.