Does the new R4D/DC3 have a "modern" autopilot as well as the Sperry autopilot, as did the previos version? If not, are there any plans to provide one?Thanks,Sandy

I am not really competent to answer your question (as I have nothing to do with the development of the R4D).But referring to the manual of the "old" R4D (which I studied by the letter), the reason most likely is, that there is no modern autopilot in the real MAAM-bird besides the Sperry. The modern autopilot was included to comfort the average simmer, who might not be willing to study the Sperry. The manual gave a short description, how and why the invention of the modern autopilot took place, even with some pictures of parts, that they used as templates for the fictional modern ap-switches. The manual also stated, that even the actually existing Sperry is not functional in the real bird.I used the modern autopilot when I started to fly MAAMs R4D but eventually took the effort to learn to use the Sperry and I never ever used the modern autopilot since! I love the Sperry and after a short while I hated the modern autopilot for being in the simulation but not in the real plane. I very, very much appreciate the decision to exclude the modern ap from the new R4D - just for the reason to make it as real as possible! Learn the Sperry, you will love it!!And so I keep sitting here, reading the forum and answering questions, looking up flight manuals, watching the wheather outside and biting my nails, playing the Komboloi, autistically bouncing up and down my head in DESPERATE EXPECTATION OF MY OWN SHINY, BRANDNEW, REFURBISHED, GMAXED R4D TO ARRIVE !!!!!!;-))Zarzura

This answer is actually spot on from the first line...The real 50819 has only the Sperry for an autopilot - the "modern" one was copied from another aircraft to make life easier.This latest version of the R4D has been made to be as close as possible to the real aircraft in terms of functionality and panels... that meant that the fictitious push button autopilot had to go.The Sperry is pretty easy to use anyway, I think you'll find... :-)Ian P.BTBT Gopher and Random Beer Crate Rotator:-halo