The C172 autopilot correctly couples the lateral and vertical controls, so that you get both lateral (ROL/HDG/NAV) and vertical control (ALT/VS) when the AP is engaged. I recall reading here previously that there is a way in the aircraft.cfg to decouple the vertical and lateral control of the AP, so that ALT could be selected in the AP but lateral navigation is done manually. Does anyone know what the command(s) to enter into the .cfg file is/are?Thanks, Bruce.

The C172 autopilot correctly couples the lateral and vertical controls, so that you get both lateral (ROL/HDG/NAV) and vertical control (ALT/VS) when the AP is engaged. I recall reading here previously that there is a way in the aircraft.cfg to decouple the vertical and lateral control of the AP, so that ALT could be selected in the AP but lateral navigation is done manually. Does anyone know what the command(s) to enter into the .cfg file is/are?Thanks, Bruce.

the FS9 method is still valid in FSX.[autopilot].use_no_default_bank=1use_no_default_pitch=1.And if I forget to add this on a new A/C, I found that CTRL+H (heading hold) pressed 2 times to engage and then DIS-engage the heading hold usually releases the steering lock on the Autopilot.Loyd

You can also use keyboard shortcuts. I believe you can turn on ALT hold and press CTRL+H (I think) to disconnect heading hold. Or you can turn on HDG hold and press CTR+Z to disconnect altitude.This works just fine from my experiences.

You can also use keyboard shortcuts. I believe you can turn on ALT hold and press CTRL+H (I think) to disconnect heading hold. Or you can turn on HDG hold and press CTR+Z to disconnect altitude.This works just fine from my experiences.

Thanks Loyd and Cameron, much appreciated.Bruce.

I just turn HDG on and off quickly and then can steer while the auto ALT or verticle speed works.But I have not found a way to quickly engage alt hold at current altitude without also setting the current altitude manually.

The C172 autopilot correctly couples the lateral and vertical controls, so that you get both lateral (ROL/HDG/NAV) and vertical control (ALT/VS) when the AP is engaged. I recall reading here previously that there is a way in the aircraft.cfg to decouple the vertical and lateral control of the AP, so that ALT could be selected in the AP but lateral navigation is done manually. Does anyone know what the command(s) to enter into the .cfg file is/are?Thanks, Bruce.

The "wing leveler" roll mode is automatically engaged whenever ALT Hold mode is selected, as you've indicated, and indeed is the normal real world behavior for dual axis autopilots.Ctrl-V will toggle "wing leveler" on/off as desired. This can be used to "simulate" the CWS (Control Wheel Steering) over-ride that some a/c have as an option.

The "wing leveler" roll mode is automatically engaged whenever ALT Hold mode is selected, as you've indicated, and indeed is the normal real world behavior for dual axis autopilots.Ctrl-V will toggle "wing leveler" on/off as desired. This can be used to "simulate" the CWS (Control Wheel Steering) over-ride that some a/c have as an option.

Thanks rhha and Fr. Bill,I never knew about the Ctrl-V, thanks.Bruce.