"John Harper" wrote in message
news:1087790958.150362@sj-nntpcache-5...
I agree that this is a great technique. In fact I never use NAV mode on
my autopilot, I just tweak the heading until the track matches what it
should
be (and keep an eye on it obviously). Much better than the autopilot
zigzagging its way down the airways.

"Michael 182" wrote in message
newsDtBc.126215$3x.55034@attbi_s54...
Sounds like you have a Cessna 300A.

I do the same and I have an STEC 60-2.

The problem seems to be the tracking algorithm. If you're slightly off
track a/p turns the aircraft through, say, 20 degrees, and waits for a CDI
movement. Then it makes largish corrections and ends up snaking its way
along the centerline, albeit with decreasing amplitude oscillations. And if
*all* you have is a CDI, that's probably the best you can do. But it's
hooked up to the GPS and so I would expect it to be able to turn directly to
a waypoint without the major heading excursions that scare the hell out of
ATC in a busy environment.

Julian Scarfe