DC-3 "autopilot"

[Till]

Does anyone know how to turn on the autopilot in the DC-3? There is an off/on switch under the heading indicator, but I can't seem to get it to move and the light doesn't come on.

[StringBean]

From the FS9 Learning Center....

The autopilot has two gauges, an on/off switch, and a power light to indicate that the unit is functioning. If the master switch is off, the power for the autopilot is not available.

peace, the Bean

[opaplano]

Does anyone know how to turn on the autopilot in the DC-3? There is an off/on switch under the heading indicator, but I can't seem to get it to move and the light doesn't come on.

Try just hitting Z -

I don't remember where the AP switch is on the default DC-3 but often it is with the radio stack on other aircraft.

Z will toggle it on and off in any case.

[Till]

Tried hitting the z button, but nothing changes. The little green light never comes on and the switch can't be moved from the off position. Master battery switch is on, radios are on, etc.

[opaplano]

Tried hitting the z button, but nothing changes. The little green light never comes on and the switch can't be moved from the off position. Master battery switch is on, radios are on, etc.

Before we explore the possibility of restoring the GPS function from your install disk, check your Settings/Assignments dialogue.

It is possible the Z setting for the autopilot has gone away and needs to reassigned.

Also check the AP function on some other default aircraft such as the B737. See if it is working there.

Keep us posted.

[copperpen]

Radio Master switch on the overhead panel must be On before the AP is active. Turning the radios on by using the keyboard does not activate the switch.

[mqytn]

Z activates the autopilot
when activated the unit will fly the aircraft to the selected heading. To select a heading you want to fly, adjust the heading bug which is the top button on the autopilot label heading. As an added bonus you can hold your altitude by using crtl-Z and if you have the correct freq for an ILS on nav one you can press crtl-A and the plane will follow the ILS approach.

[copperpen]

In the default DC3, the z key will only work if the Radio Master is on.

[StringBean]

Is it possible that you are using, as I am, the aircraft.cfg modified by Trev Morson?

If so, he has disabled the autopilot.

You need to make these changes...

[autopilot]
autopilot_available=0 //change this to 1

also in the [autopilot] section...

default_bank_mode=0
default_pitch_mode=0

change to...

default_bank_mode=2
//default_pitch_mode=0

These changes should restore the default DC-3 autopilot functions.

peace,
the Bean

[Till]

Yes Bean, that's it I am using the FDE from Trev Morson. I'll make the mods you suggested and I'm sure it will work. Thanks