How do I get a smooth transition from manual take-off to autopilot? Sometimes after take-off, while still climbing, I engage auto pilot to be met with a dive followed by a recovery or, alternatively, a very high rate of climb, which I have to adjust immediately to avoid a stall. I would like to be in a controlled climb, engage autopliot and stay there.Thanks Richard

Richard,What are your MCP settings ? How is high rate of climb defined ? Any pics ? (Also the plane cannot repeat cannot stall in auto mode. It protects itself)Vangelis====================================== E. M. Vaos Precision Manuals Development Group www.precisionmanuals.com======================================

Just like real life you must make sure of a few things prior to A/P engagement- One is SPEED. Speed up close to the VNAV target speed before engagement for smoother vertical transition. Raise your flaps prior to engagement of VNAV. Turn towards your PATH prior to LNAV engagement for smoother lateral capture.Best Wishes,[h4]Randy J. Smith[/h4]http://www.rawbw.com/~bdoolin/shinault/southparkcartmad.gif[h3]I WANT MY 747![/h3]Caution! Not a real pilot, but do play one on TV ;-)

center up on the Flight Director Indicator just before turning on the AP.

..and center up the FD in such a way that you can take your hands off the controls meaning... use the elevator trim to achieve the correct climb path. In real life the A/P wouldn't even connect with the FD off-center or any manual input on the flight controls.Hope this helps.