8.3 Autopilot
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The autopilot can
be controlled using the switches on the autopilot panel or from the Key
Command Menu. See information on how to use the key command menu
here.
The X-Plane implementation of the autopilot provides some limitations
on what I could with the CF-104 autopilot. These limitations are:
- The real autopilot allows Heading Hold mode and Turn mode to be
engaged without having to have Altitude Hold mode or Mach Hold mode
turned on.
- The real autopilot will bank the aircraft much steeper than what X-Plane provides
Figure 8.1 - Autopilot Panel
Before any autopilot functions can be used, the autopilot must be
turned on using the Autopilot Engage Switch on the far left. Set
this to ENGAGE.
8.3.2 Altitude Hold
Before the Altitude Hold Mode can be engaged, the aircraft must be
flying close to level with bank angle not exceeding 20 degrees.
Also the controls must be in the neutral position. Moving
the controls will disengage the autopilot so you can't turn it on with
the controls deflected. You will get a Master Caution light and a
Autopilot Disconnect message come up on the Warning Light Panel if the
autopilot turns off as a result of the controls being moved.
Once the Altitude Hold mode is engaged, the aircraft will hold that
altitude at the time the switch was turned on. Mach Hold must be
OFF before Altitude Hold can be engaged.
8.3.3 Mach Hold
Before the Mach Hold Mode can be engaged, the aircraft must be flying close to
level with bank angle not exceeding 20 degrees. Also the controls must
be in the neutral position. Moving the controls will disengage the
autopilot so you can't turn it on with the controls deflected. You
will get a Master Caution light and a Autopilot Disconnect message come
up on the Warning Light Panel if the autopilot turns off as a result of
the controls being moved.
Once the Mach Hold mode is engaged, the aircraft will adjust its pitch
angle to maintain the Mach number at the time the switch was turned on.
Engine power may be increased or decreased to adjust the climb
rate. Altitude Hold must be OFF before Mach Hold can be engaged.
8.3.4 Turn Mode
Altitude Hold or Mach Hold mode must be on for Turn Mode to function. Set the switch LEFT or RIGHT to turn the aircraft.
8.3.5 Heading Mode
Altitude Hold or Mach Hold mode must be on for Heading Mode to
function. The normal Heading Mode is the Hold Mode which simply
keeps the aircraft on its present heading.
The NAV Mode can only be engaged when the aircraft is more than 5 miles
(as indicated on the PHI) from the currently-selected waypoint.
Inside of this range, the Heading Mode will automatically switch to
Heading Hold Mode. In Nav Hold mode, the aircraft will fly
towards the waypoint or TACAN selected and displayed on the PHI.