Help with S-TEC 50 A/P

In article ,
Thomas Borchert wrote:

You need to put it through test mode first, preferably on
the ground. After testing, leave that switch in ON (with the ready
light on), otherwise you'll have to do the test again.

I always wondered about the logic of that, given that the POH
specifically states, "AUTOPILOT OFF FOR TAKEOFF".

"john smith" wrote in message
...
In article ,
Thomas Borchert wrote:

You need to put it through test mode first, preferably on
the ground. After testing, leave that switch in ON (with the ready
light on), otherwise you'll have to do the test again.

I always wondered about the logic of that, given that the POH
specifically states, "AUTOPILOT OFF FOR TAKEOFF".

Yeah, that's one reason I assumed you could just turn it on, wait a few
minutes and it would be ready to go. I think they are talking about the
Sperry 'Navomatic' autopilots. Sounds like something Ronco would sell.

On Tue, 06 Jun 2006 15:50:48 GMT, john smith wrote:

In article ,
Thomas Borchert wrote:

You need to put it through test mode first, preferably on
the ground. After testing, leave that switch in ON (with the ready
light on), otherwise you'll have to do the test again.

I always wondered about the logic of that, given that the POH
specifically states, "AUTOPILOT OFF FOR TAKEOFF".

Not sure about the POH as I don't see that in the POH for the autopilot.
Maybe it's in the AFMS for the autopilot?

In any event, the A/P Master switch can be left on, even with the A/P
switch off, as is the case when I take off.

Also, if the A/P Master is turned off in flight, then it needs to be placed
in the 'Test' position in flight and allowed to run through its self-test
until the 'Ready' light comes on, before it can again be used in flight.
This is also mentioned in the POH for the a/p.


Ron (EPM) (N5843Q, Mooney M20E) (CP, ASEL, ASES, IA)

John,

I always wondered about the logic of that, given that the POH
specifically states, "AUTOPILOT OFF FOR TAKEOFF".


That's referring to the other OFF switch. Also, other manufacturer's
autopilots are different in that regard.

BTW, always know all the way to switch off the autopilot in case it
goes berserk.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

On 2006-06-03, john smith wrote:

There is a delay of one or two minutes before the altitude hold will
engage. Be patient.

And in my experience, you don't want to be trying to get the altitude
hold to engage as soon as it possibly will. There seems to be a small
window where it will engage but immediately command a slight nose up/down
rather than just holding altitude. Passengers don't like it!

--
Ben Jackson

http://www.ben.com/