6 hours ago, Wink207 said:

Aha! I have the A/P main switch off, but I do pre-select HDG and V/S, so those lights are ON. Could that be it?

Thanks

It’s perfectly OK to preselect flight director modes before takeoff - HDG, VS etc - just as long as you do not engage the autopilot lever to the UP (on) position before becoming airborne.

25 minutes ago, JRBarrett said:

It’s perfectly OK to preselect flight director modes before takeoff - HDG, VS etc - just as long as you do not engage the autopilot lever to the UP (on) position before becoming airborne.

Ok thanks. Would be nice if the A/P would default to current heading and current V/S when engaged. Probably doesn't do that in the actual A/P though, right?. My emphasis is to smoothly engage the A/P during climb so as not to spill the coffee back aft 🙂

1 hour ago, Wink207 said:

Ok thanks. Would be nice if the A/P would default to current heading and current V/S when engaged. Probably doesn't do that in the actual A/P though, right?. My emphasis is to smoothly engage the A/P during climb so as not to spill the coffee back aft 🙂

If you have the heading bug on the HSI set to the current heading (eg, runway heading), and the AP HDG light is on, then when you engage the AP it will hold the current heading. Likewise, if the AP VS  light is on, and if immediately after turning on the AP you engage TCS momentarily, the AP will hold the current VS.

Al

Edited January 1, 20197 yr by ark

21 hours ago, ark said:

If you have the heading bug on the HSI set to the current heading (eg, runway heading), and the AP HDG light is on, then when you engage the AP it will hold the current heading. Likewise, if the AP VS  light is on, and if immediately after turning on the AP you engage TCS momentarily, the AP will hold the current VS.

Al

Thanks Al. That was a great tip on the TCS. Works very well and helps a smooth transition from hand flying on TO to AP.

Thanks again

Rick