How to - Autopilot Operation

[richboy2307]

The Microsoft / IniBuilds F27 is equipped with a three -axis autopilot, with its control panel located in the pedestal.

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Note: this autopilot is not fitted with an altitude preselector. The pilot must gradually reduce the pitch attitude as the desired altitude is reached and engage the altitude hold mode to level-off. The altitude alerter will give aural indication in case of target altitude deviation but will not command a level off.

Autopilot Controls

1. Autopilot master
2. Autopilot control panel
3. Altitude alerter
4. Autopilot heading mode knob
   Note: only the Captain’s heading knob controls the autopilot heading mode

Autopilot Control Panel

1. Altitude hold 
2. Heading hold mode 
3. Nav 1 / GPS hold mode 
4. Back course hold mode 
5. ILS approach mode 
6. Pitch attitude selector
   Note: place cursor over the switch 
   to see the selected pitch target in 
   degrees. 
7. Angle of bank limiter
   Note: place cursor over the switch 
   to see the value. 

 

Engaging the Autopilot

Engage the autopilot master by moving the  lever to the up (ON) position.   The autopilot will now hold the wings level  and maintain the current pitch angle until a  lateral and vertical mode is engaged.

Engaging Heading Hold

	Select the desired heading in the directional  gyro using the heading knob.    Note: only the Captain’s heading knob controls  the autopilot heading mode.             Engage the HEADING mode.
Engaging Altitude Hold

Set the target altitude in the altitude  for warning purposes.  alerter   Note: the autopilot does not have an altitude  preselect function.      Engage the altitude hold mode when the desired altitude has been reached.

Commencing a Climb/Descend 

	Set the target altitude in the altitude  for warning purposes.  alerter   Note: the autopilot does not have an altitude  preselect function.      Disengage the Altitude hold mode if it was  previously engaged.
	Move the pitch attitude selector to the desired target.   The target will be displayed as a tooltip and  can be seen by placing your cursor over the selector.

 

Capturing and Tracking a VOR Radial

	Tune the desired VOR in the NAV1 Radio in the GPS.  The GPS unit must display VLOC. If GPS is displayed, press the CDI button to change the guidance to VLOC.           Select the desired course in the OBS by using the lower left Captain’s knob.
	Engage the NAV mode.

Capturing and tracking the GPS Route

	In your desired GPS unit, select GPS. If VLOC is displayed, press the CDI button to change the guidance to GPS.               Engage the NAV mode.

Executing an ILS Approach 

	Tune the desired VOR in the NAV1 Radio in the GPS.  The GPS unit must display VLOC. If GPS is displayed, press the CDI button to change the guidance to VLOC.
	Select the desired course in the OBS by using the lower left Captain’s knob.
	Engage the APPROACH mode.