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#1
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AUTOPILOT PROS & CONS
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. |
#2
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AUTOPILOT PROS & CONS
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. I never use it. I don't feel like I'm flying if I don't have my hand on the yoke. I don't fly IFR enough that I want to risk losing the proficiency I have, and although it has been said that one is safer with the autopilot on, I believe one =becomes= less safe relying on it. Jose -- The price of freedom is... well... freedom. for Email, make the obvious change in the address. |
#3
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AUTOPILOT PROS & CONS
An autopilot is very useful as long as it is used properly.
In VMC, use the autopilot to fly the departure, allowing you more time to scan for traffic. This is very important in night VMC. Use the autopilot at cruise to let you rest and while checking on weather. Use the autopilot for some of your approaches so you are proficient in the management of the system. But hand fly enough so you are 100% proficient because the autopilot can fail. If you had a live copilot, you would share legs, treat the A/P the same, use it as an aid not a crutch. Be sure to read the entire POH supplement and know all the limitations and failure modes. -- James H. Macklin ATP,CFI,A&P -- The people think the Constitution protects their rights; But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome. some support http://www.usdoj.gov/olc/secondamendment2.htm See http://www.fija.org/ more about your rights and duties. "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. | | |
#4
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AUTOPILOT PROS & CONS
Stickmonke,
I am interested in comments regarding the pros and cons of a heavy use/reliance on the autopilot. As one data point: In Germany, single pilot IFR flying requires the aircraft to have at least a two-axis autopilot (that is, including altitude hold). -- Thomas Borchert (EDDH) |
#5
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AUTOPILOT PROS & CONS
STICKMONKE wrote:
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. I have always used an autopilot if it's available for cruise flight only. I hand fly all climb outs and approaches. As a matter of fact, since nothing I have access to these days has an autopilot, I hand fly the entire flight. G -- Mortimer Schnerd, RN VE |
#6
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AUTOPILOT PROS & CONS
STICKMONKE wrote:
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. With a panel mount IFR GPS, you can easily fail to do a traffic watch or perhaps properly control the airplane when not using an autopilot. |
#7
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AUTOPILOT PROS & CONS
In article ,
Thomas Borchert wrote: As one data point: In Germany, single pilot IFR flying requires the aircraft to have at least a two-axis autopilot (that is, including altitude hold). But is the pilot required to use it? :-) -- Bob Noel Looking for a sig the lawyers will hate |
#8
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AUTOPILOT PROS & CONS
Bob,
But is the pilot required to use it? :-) Well, if you don't, "ve haf wais off makink yu!" ;-) -- Thomas Borchert (EDDH) |
#9
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AUTOPILOT PROS & CONS
"Mortimer Schnerd, RN" wrote in message ... STICKMONKE wrote: 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. I have always used an autopilot if it's available for cruise flight only. I hand fly all climb outs and approaches. As a matter of fact, since nothing I have access to these days has an autopilot, I hand fly the entire flight. G Cessna and most other "heavy metal" manufacturers, as well as such publications as "Professional Pilot" recommend use of the autopilot immediately after takeoff to enhance scanning for traffic. Since the overwhelming majority of mid-air's occur in the airport area and during climb out and descent, that makes good sense. |
#10
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AUTOPILOT PROS & CONS
"Sam Spade" wrote in message news:Q5F6g.175210$bm6.21298@fed1read04... With a panel mount IFR GPS, you can easily fail to do a traffic watch or perhaps properly control the airplane when not using an autopilot. Why would a panel mount GPS make much difference, compared to a hand held, or VOR/airways vector? |
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