Carenado PA44 Seminole

[waltpop 26]

Just tried to Fly The Carenado PA44 Siminole. Haven't a clue how to turn on the Autopilot. No On Button, Checked the fuses, No switch or selection on the main panel. Anyone know how to turn this on? Thanks Walt

[Todd2 2,144]

Best I can remember is flip that white switch under the GPS that says FD off. Haven't flown it in a while though.

[waltpop 26]

Yes, there is 3 modes to this one. I tried changing that FD switch  in different positions and no luck. Doc says  there is   Mode 1) FD off-AP 0ff     Mode 2) FD ON- AP OFF and MODE 3) FD ON- AP ON 

 

 

[JYW 2,989]

1 hour ago, waltpop said:

Yes, there is 3 modes to this one. I tried changing that FD switch  in different positions and no luck. Doc says  there is   Mode 1) FD off-AP 0ff     Mode 2) FD ON- AP OFF and MODE 3) FD ON- AP ON 

 

 

I don't own the Carenado Seminole but the real STEC 55 autopilot is unusual in that it doesn't activate basic modes when engaged.  In other words, activating the FD/AP button to the top position (FD on AP on) won't (in itself) engage any pitch or roll hold modes. 

You need to engage the AP, then select HDG or NAV, along with VS or ALT for the servos to kick in.

Is it not taking over the plane when you turn the master to FD ON / AP ON, and then engage HDG and VS or ALT? 

Edited December 12, 2022 by JYW

[Bert Pieke 7,586]

Carenado did their usual sloppy job of implementing the autopilot.. when you flip the switch to FD, the RDY indication comes on, but when you then go to AP, it should come off.. only it doesn't..  As Bill said above, you also need to select lateral and vertical modes.

Edited December 12, 2022 by Bert Pieke

[waltpop 26]

.OK I'll give it a try again and thank you all for the support.