"STICKMONKE" wrote in message
...
I got my IFR rating 7 months ago. I use the KAP140 autopilot a lot. From
climb-out to MDA/DA. I find it really helps in my management of the plane
and the IFR flight. I am interested in comments regarding the pros and cons
of a heavy use/reliance on the autopilot.

Just like the cruise control on your car, there's times to use and times not
to. For departure, it's highly recommended to enhance your concentration on
the traffic scan. Same for approaches. OTOH, don't forget how to handle
things when the AP goes tits up. At least you don't have the King
AP/FD-150...a POS.

Remember, too, that people have fallen asleep with the cruise on their cars
(and at cruise with the AP...been there, done that one :~( ).

On departure, use airspeed hold, rather than Rate of Climb if the 140 has
it. If not, monitor your AS/ROC.