Avionics News August 2022 - 46

series
B Y
T H O M A S
I N M A N
Autopilot Basics
Part IV
T
his month marks the fourth and final
column in a four-part series on autopilots.
Over the last three months, we have noted
that there are some commonalities in the different parts
of autopilots. For any surface or device, the autopilot
needs to move, and there must be some form of
reference, amplification, and motor to create movement.
Most autopilots designed in recent years use references
and adjustments in digital form. There are safety devices
included in the design that will allow the flight crew to
regain control of the aircraft during a malfunction or
emergency. This month, we examine autopilot testing
and troubleshooting.
First, we must recognize that any testing completed
on the ground is not complete and will only give us an
approximation of how the system will behave while
airborne. On the ground, there is no airflow across the
wings and control surfaces. Autopilots are designed to
fly in a dynamic flight environment.
Supporting systems
All autopilots, especially integrated flight control
systems, rely on other systems to operate. The support
systems can include the following: instrument vacuum;
pitot-static; 26V AC; hydraulics; and navigation. In
addition, the aircraft must be rigged properly with the
proper tensions on any control cables.
46 avionics news * august 2022
Surprisingly, the last item often gets overlooked
during annual inspections. Over time, the control cables
will loosen. A pilot will compensate unconsciously for
the loosening controls, but an autopilot cannot do so.
Many times, a pilot will bring an airplane to the avionics
shop for autopilot work, only to have the avionics shop
refer the aircraft back to an airframe and powerplant
mechanic for rigging adjustments.
Test equipment and set up
The equipment required to test autopilot systems can
vary widely, depending on the make, model and type of
system. Some manufacturers have gyro (or reference)
substitution boxes available. Others have a test box that
the technician can insert between the computer and the
aircraft. For any autopilot using the navigation system,
the technician will need to bring a navigation signal
generator to the aircraft.
The time required and the wattage required to operate
an autopilot requires the technician to run the tests with
external power or with an engine running. The latter will
be necessary on the airplane's analog vacuum-operated
gyros if there are no other means available to operate the
instruments.
The aircraft must be on level ground, and the flight control
surfaces must be clear of any person, toolbox, or anything
else that could interfere with flight control movement.

Avionics News August 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News August 2022

Avionics News August 2022 - Intro
Avionics News August 2022 - Cover1
Avionics News August 2022 - Cover2
Avionics News August 2022 - 1
Avionics News August 2022 - 2
Avionics News August 2022 - 3
Avionics News August 2022 - 4
Avionics News August 2022 - 5
Avionics News August 2022 - 6
Avionics News August 2022 - 7
Avionics News August 2022 - 8
Avionics News August 2022 - 9
Avionics News August 2022 - 10
Avionics News August 2022 - 11
Avionics News August 2022 - 12
Avionics News August 2022 - 13
Avionics News August 2022 - 14
Avionics News August 2022 - 15
Avionics News August 2022 - 16
Avionics News August 2022 - 17
Avionics News August 2022 - 18
Avionics News August 2022 - 19
Avionics News August 2022 - 20
Avionics News August 2022 - 21
Avionics News August 2022 - 22
Avionics News August 2022 - 23
Avionics News August 2022 - 24
Avionics News August 2022 - 25
Avionics News August 2022 - 26
Avionics News August 2022 - 27
Avionics News August 2022 - 28
Avionics News August 2022 - 29
Avionics News August 2022 - 30
Avionics News August 2022 - 31
Avionics News August 2022 - 32
Avionics News August 2022 - 33
Avionics News August 2022 - 34
Avionics News August 2022 - 35
Avionics News August 2022 - 36
Avionics News August 2022 - 37
Avionics News August 2022 - 38
Avionics News August 2022 - 39
Avionics News August 2022 - 40
Avionics News August 2022 - 41
Avionics News August 2022 - 42
Avionics News August 2022 - 43
Avionics News August 2022 - 44
Avionics News August 2022 - 45
Avionics News August 2022 - 46
Avionics News August 2022 - 47
Avionics News August 2022 - 48
Avionics News August 2022 - 49
Avionics News August 2022 - 50
Avionics News August 2022 - 51
Avionics News August 2022 - 52
Avionics News August 2022 - 53
Avionics News August 2022 - 54
Avionics News August 2022 - 55
Avionics News August 2022 - 56
Avionics News August 2022 - 57
Avionics News August 2022 - 58
Avionics News August 2022 - 59
Avionics News August 2022 - 60
Avionics News August 2022 - 61
Avionics News August 2022 - 62
Avionics News August 2022 - 63
Avionics News August 2022 - 64
Avionics News August 2022 - Cover3
Avionics News August 2022 - Cover4
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