Today's Message Index:
----------------------
1. 06:20 AM - DigiTrak autopilot (Klaus Truemper)
2. 03:43 PM - Re: DigiTrak autopilot (Terry Phillips)
Message 1
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| Subject: | DigiTrak autopilot |
The DigiTrak autopilot has been an inexpensive addition to my plane.
It has been of tremendous help during long flights.
Recently, an unexpected problem came up, triggering this message for
other pilots having the same autopilot.
When the DigiTrak autopilot is engaged, and inadvertently you or your passenger
step on one of the two rudder pedals so that the ball goes out of center,
then the autopilot will start a turn that will not stop. The transition
to the turn is smooth and not noticed if the pilot is occupied with some other
issue. Apparently, the uncoordinated flight with the ball out of center
is interpreted by the autopilot as a wings-not-level condition
that should be corrected.
The sequence of events happened on a recent trip
when I turned around to fetch something from the
baggage area and inadvertently pushed the left rudder pedal.
The corrective action: Disengage the autopilot, use the rudder to center the
ball, get back on the original, intended heading, and engage the autopilot again.
I do not know if the other autopilots by TruTrak exhibit the same behavior.
My guess is that this may well be the case.
On another note: I put a blog together that contains articles written over the
years about various trips west. If you want to see the articles, go to
http://passionforflight.blogspot.com
The material may be useful if you are planning a trip west.
Happy flying,
Klaus
Message 2
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| Subject: | Re: DigiTrak autopilot |
Hi Klaus
Thanks for sharing the link to your travelblog. I loved your trips to
NM, AZ, UT, & CO. I worked 20+ years at Los Alamos, so I am very
familiar with that country. I was surprised that you didn't fly up to
Leadville from Beuna Vista. If I ever get that close to Leadville, I'd
want to land there just to say I'd landed at 10,000 ft MSL.
Thanks also for the photo of Phillip. He was very cordial and helpful in
my contacts with him.
Terry
On 7/23/2011 7:12 AM, Klaus Truemper wrote:
> The DigiTrak autopilot has been an inexpensive addition to my plane.
> It has been of tremendous help during long flights.
>
> Recently, an unexpected problem came up, triggering this message for
> other pilots having the same autopilot.
>
> When the DigiTrak autopilot is engaged, and inadvertently you or your
> passenger
> step on one of the two rudder pedals so that the ball goes out of center,
> then the autopilot will start a turn that will not stop. The transition
> to the turn is smooth and not noticed if the pilot is occupied with
> some other
> issue. Apparently, the uncoordinated flight with the ball out of center
> is interpreted by the autopilot as a wings-not-level condition
> that should be corrected.
>
> The sequence of events happened on a recent trip
> when I turned around to fetch something from the
> baggage area and inadvertently pushed the left rudder pedal.
>
> The corrective action: Disengage the autopilot, use the rudder to
> center the
> ball, get back on the original, intended heading, and engage the
> autopilot again.
>
> I do not know if the other autopilots by TruTrak exhibit the same
> behavior.
> My guess is that this may well be the case.
>
> On another note: I put a blog together that contains articles written
> over the
> years about various trips west. If you want to see the articles, go to
>
> http://passionforflight.blogspot.com
>
> The material may be useful if you are planning a trip west.
>
> Happy flying,
>
> Klaus
>
> *
>
>
> *
--
Terry Phillips
ttp44~at~rkymtn.net
Corvallis MT
ZU-601XL/Jab 3300 s .. l .. o .. o .. w build kit - Tail& flaps are done;
Upgrading wings& ailerons per AMD Safety Directive
http://www.mykitlog.com/N47TP/
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