Small Boy Autopilot Problem

w4mdl · 07-06-2002, 09:25 PM

I can't seem to get autopilot to work on the small boys with more basic systems. Altitude to be exact. It goes into a dive every time as if it were not on at all, or the FD points the nose down. No matter how steady I am when I turn it on, same results. Anyone please tell me what I am doing wrong. It would really help on those longer flights, and keep ATC off my back. LOL

Thomas

**rtriez** · 07-06-2002, 09:28 PM

Make sure your aircraft is trimmed properly before engaging the autopilot. If you don't, the A/P will take some time to catch up with it if it's way out. There are several other things that could be going on too, but if you could, tell us what a/c are you having trouble with in particular ? Perhaps we can help narrow it down fer ya.

Best Regards,

Bob :-wave

aep · 07-06-2002, 09:32 PM

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Jul-06-02 AT 09:35PM (EDT)[/font][p]I had the same problem with my autopilot. I fixed it by setting the trim close to level flight before engaging the altitude hold since the autopilot is kinda slow to trim the aircraft to level flight.

w4mdl · 07-06-2002, 09:38 PM

OK, thanks for the response. Its prop jobs like the cessna that are giving me a hard time. The jumbos are great. Lets say I level off at 6500 and I get her all trimed out, I can almost just let go of the stick and she is fine. I turn on the AP, which in turn, turns on the Flight Director, and it sets itself 10 deg. down, which puts the aircraft into a steady dive. I just don't understand what is doing it. Its not like the jets that have an altitude setting. It should just remain at the altitude its at, right??

Thomas

**rtriez** · 07-06-2002, 09:55 PM

Inside the Radio Stack is the settings for the Altitude. Set the desired Altitude in ( by mouse ) and also MAKE SURE you set the vertical speed. Once you're ready to engage, don't use the "z" and then "Ctrl+Z" method ( it works but I find the other way easier ), rather click on the Autopilot Master switch, then click on "ALT" and it should take over from there.

I Hope this made sense - if not let me know & I'll explain it a little better & maybe add a small shot of what I'm talking about.

Best Regards,

Bob :-wave

w4mdl · 07-06-2002, 10:03 PM

Eurica!!! Thats got to be it. I never new that there was a setting in the stack. I will have to try it when I get off work in the morning. I will let you know. Thanks Bob

Thomas

**rtriez** · 07-06-2002, 10:13 PM

Not a problem, glad I could help. If this post gets burried by morning or whenever you have a chance to try it out, feel free to e-mail me at rtriez@juno.com with any questions.

Best Regards,

Bob :-wave

**rtriez** · 07-07-2002, 01:22 AM

Ok Thomas,
I had a little spare time on my hands, so I took this shot of the radio stack for ya so you could see what I was talking about.
The reason your aircraft would go into a dive is because your altitude input was set for 0 feet ( by default ) therefore, your auto pilot was functioning properly, only it was heading for the input value, which was 0' MSL.

The picture is self explanatory really, but like I said, if you have any questions, you may either post back here or e-mail me at rtriez@juno.com

Hope this solves your problem :)

Regards,

Bob :-wave

http://www.flightsim.com/dcforum/Use...f120ae0c58.jpg

w4mdl · 07-07-2002, 08:07 AM

I can't believe that I have been flying since fs3 on commadore, and this is the first I have relized that its there. I feel like a goof. That will make those VA flights for the first 30hrs much more enjoyable for a family man. LOL. I will try it when I get home. I am active duty Navy and have the duty on the ship today. Thanks so much Bob. People like you give this forum a good name.

Thomas