Stan Prevost wrote:
I can buy that, Mike. Given access to the air data, the machine can compute
an outbound track and turns to make it work out. But that was my point, the
box needs that data. Most of the GPS-equipped small airplanes have
standalone GPS boxes, no FMS, no ADC.

As Sam mentioned, increasing the bank angle to 30 degrees for the inbound
turn helps in some ways. For a small airplane holding at 90 kts, tracking
an outbound leg offset by 1 nm, and a 30 kt xwind, it just about works out,
IF the pilot knew he needed to use a 30 degree bank turn to inbound. I am a
bit reluctant to encourage pilots to use the higher roll rates associated
with those maneuvers in IMC, for physiological reasons.

I don't think my S-Tec 55 autopilot, without GPSS, could follow the
maneuver, anyway.


I guess the autopilot would track the turn better if it has roll
steering instead of CDI stearing. (Roll steering will be mandatory for
RF legs, which are coming along.)

I don't see any need for air data to make this work. It is a positive
course guidance oval, right? So, make the oval the correct dimensions
for containment in protected airspace. Then, the autopilot, flight
director, or hand-flying pilot will compensate for wind by simply
remaining on the yellow brick road.