Autopilot use during approach

Ron,

As Jim says, there's advice on that in the POH. Keep in mind that the
S-TEC 50 does not intercept/capture radials or localizers. You have to
get the plane onto the localizer (which can of course be done with the
AP in heading mode). Only after that you can engage the approach mode.
Main difference between approach and nav is the sensitivity. With the
S-TEC 50, you will still have to manage the altitude profile yourself.

I have seen vastly different accuracy on different installations in
different aircraft with the S-TEC 50. On our Tobago, it can be used
well on approaches down to 200 feet.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

On Fri, 13 Apr 2007 13:01:32 +0200, Thomas Borchert
wrote:

Ron,


I have seen vastly different accuracy on different installations in
different aircraft with the S-TEC 50. On our Tobago, it can be used
well on approaches down to 200 feet.

In my Mooney, I will occasionally allow my STEC50 to fly an approach, if
there is absolutely no turbulence and little change in the winds during
descent. Sometimes it even gets to DH/MDA still on the centerline! But
it's not unusual for it to get 1/2 to 3/4 scale off course.
Ron (EPM) (N5843Q, Mooney M20E) (CP, ASEL, ASES, IA)

Ron,

But
it's not unusual for it to get 1/2 to 3/4 scale off course.


I know. A friend of mine has similar issues in a BN-2.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

On Fri, 13 Apr 2007 18:13:38 +0200, Thomas Borchert
wrote:

Ron,

But
it's not unusual for it to get 1/2 to 3/4 scale off course.


I know. A friend of mine has similar issues in a BN-2.

And here I thought all those big planes had decent autopilots!

Years ago, a few years after installation, I called STEC and they thought
that increasing the sensitivity of the autopilot might help. They gave
instructions on changing a resistor, and that helped a bit, but I still
wouldn't trust it in other than smooth weather.
Ron (EPM) (N5843Q, Mooney M20E) (CP, ASEL, ASES, IA)