STICKMONKE wrote:

I enter a "direct-to" in the GPS and fly the desired track (DTK) heading
with the Heading Bug and the autopilot in heading mode to the IAF. As I
approach the IAF and engage the "APR" mode (with a flight plan and approach
loaded). The autopilot does not track the DTK (my current heading), but in
fact wants to intercept the course stored in the GPS active flight plan
(which is a different heading than I am currently tracking with DTK).

I used to fly a lot in a C172S/G with the KAP140 and B/K KLN94. However my
memory of these units is clouded by time and a few hundred hours behind a
Garmin GNS430 and an S-TEC AP with which I now currently fly.

First off, I am confused as to why you are choosing the APR mode to fly a
GPS approach. Normally, one would use the NAV mode and be sure the NAV/GPS
switch is set to GPS.

Secondly, there are different combinations of AP key pressing that result
in the AP capturing the desired course differently. Depending on what
lateral course guidance mode (NAV or HDG) the AP has selected prior to you
hitting the APR button, your intercept will vary.

Given the potential for life-threatening mistakes, I recommend that you
take a half hour or so and read the chapter out of the KAP140 manual
discussing how to use the AP for instrument approaches. If you don't have
the manual, you can download it for free from Bendix-King. I would then
recommend that you launch with a safety pilot one CAVU day and practice
several coupled approaches.

I did this a few times to get familiar with the S-TEC/GNS430 combination of
my new aircraft and a few months later was able to confidently use the
S-TEC to fly an actual IFR approach right to minimums one night for an
Angel Flight mission.

--
Peter
























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