"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.