Flying a 172 with Autopilot?

On Mon, 11 Jul 2005 02:43:24 GMT, aaronw
wrote:

On Wed, 6 Jul 2005 11:57:09 -0400, "Stephen McNaught"
wrote:

And make sure you know all the ways to turn it off/disable it.

Just to check myself, for the AP on the C-172S:

A) AP disc on the yoke.
B) I think if you push AP again on the unit... but I would have to
doublecheck that one.
C) Pull out AP breaker.
D) The Avionics bus master that it is on (Of course, I forget which
one) for those with a split avionics master.
E) Master switch.

Did I get all of them?

Yes, pushing the AP button again will disco the AP.

I think using the electric trim also disco's the AP.

Be careful of the yoke button...

Some aircraft are also equipped with a "CWS" (control wheel steering)
button, that suspends, but does non disconnect, the autopilot. When the CWS
button is released, the autopilot resumes control in it's previous modes.

These aircraft will also have an "autopilot disconnect" button, that
completely disengages the autopilot.



"aaronw" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 6 Jul 2005 11:57:09 -0400, "Stephen McNaught"
wrote:

And make sure you know all the ways to turn it off/disable it.

Just to check myself, for the AP on the C-172S:

A) AP disc on the yoke.
B) I think if you push AP again on the unit... but I would have to
doublecheck that one.
C) Pull out AP breaker.
D) The Avionics bus master that it is on (Of course, I forget which
one) for those with a split avionics master.
E) Master switch.

Did I get all of them?

That sounds right for the 172S's KAP140. Another thing that I do, is to make
sure that the autopilot is a part of my preflight. You especially want to
ensure that you can overpower the autopilot while you're still on the
ground.

"aaronw" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 6 Jul 2005 11:57:09 -0400, "Stephen McNaught"
wrote:

And make sure you know all the ways to turn it off/disable it.

Just to check myself, for the AP on the C-172S:

A) AP disc on the yoke.
B) I think if you push AP again on the unit... but I would have to
doublecheck that one.
C) Pull out AP breaker.
D) The Avionics bus master that it is on (Of course, I forget which
one) for those with a split avionics master.
E) Master switch.

Did I get all of them?

I'm not sure if you're aware of it, but most autopilot manufacturers publish
the POH's for their autopilots on their websites in .pdf format.

You might find these helpful...


"Corky Scott" wrote in message
news
On Mon, 04 Jul 2005 18:19:29 GMT, "VE5JL"
wrote:

Is there any one here flying a 172 using an autopilot?

I think on longer flights (3+ hours) and autopilot would be an advantage,
however there are some in the old school that think it is not necessary.

I'd like some opinions.

thx

Joe

I just tried using the AP on the C172SP I rent from the local FBO last
time I flew, about two weeks ago. I'd never actually used it during
training or in the two years since I got my pilots license, and I
always wanted to try it.

So two weeks ago I did the preflight checkout of the unit, and then
took off and climbed to 3000 feet. I punched in the "AP" button, the
"ALT" button and selected "Heading" as a choice. Then I sat back and
watched while it turned the few degrees needed to lock to the
Directional Gyro's heading and held it there while sticking precisely
to 3,000 feet. The morning was hot and moist and very very still so
the AP had little work to do once it got where it was set.

I tried moving the compass bug a bit to one side or the other and the
AP dutifully tracked to the new heading as it should. I did not try
using it to track the GPS or the VOR, although it could.

I can see this as being a really important tool when flying solo and
having to change frequencies or look one up or any of a number of
occasions when having the Auto Pilot on would be of valuable
assistance.

I'm seriously considering purchasing a non certified unit for my
homebuilt.

Corky Scott

On Wed, 06 Jul 2005 15:32:08 GMT, "Lakeview Bill"
wrote:

I'm not sure if you're aware of it, but most autopilot manufacturers publish
the POH's for their autopilots on their websites in .pdf format.

You might find these helpful...

I actually did read up on how to use the AP before trying it. The
training materials included a thick book that was like a POH for the
172, but was for training only. It has a supplement covering the
operation of the auto pilot. My instructor has long since moved on to
become a jet commuter pilot, but I've kept up contact with the school
and the instructor who is still there and he encouraged me to read up
on it in that manual.

He also said that he'd be happy to fly with me to check me out on it,
but I was loath to spend the $45/hour. I will continue to try out the
various things it can do as I pick my good weather flying days.

Corky Scott

I wish I had an autopilot for my 172, primarily for single-pilot IFR,
but the absence of one does not prevent me from undertaking certain
trips. If it can't be done without an autopilot, then it probably
shouldn't be done in any 172.

Best,
-cwk.