Autopilot questions for small GA aircraft
On May 7, 8:22 pm, Mxsmanic wrote:
Some questions on autopilots for pilots of small GA aircraft:
1. Do you have an autopilot in your aircraft? If so, how many axes/modes?
STEC 30 2 axis, but no climb/descent/glide slope
2. Which modes do you find yourself using most often, and in what conditions?
GPS steering based on GPS flight plan - turn it on at cruise altitude after trimming level
3. Do you use your autopilot differently between VFR and IFR flight? If so,
what do you do differently?
Not really any different, unless sightseeing.
4. How much do you trust your autopilot? Have you experienced failures? Were
they inconveniences or did they impact safety?
No failures, but I don't completely trust it - just keep an eye on it.
5. Do you find that autopilots add safety or merely add convenience?
Big safety feature, especially when using the Little Red Bottle
6. Excluding situations in which autopilot is required (autolands, RVSM,
etc.), are there situations in which you prefer not to fly without an
autopilot? Sometimes turn it off to practice hand flying with accuracy.
Other comments welcome as well, of course.
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