User guide

Autopilot Operation
8-2 SkyView Pilot’s User Guide - Revision Q
Simplified or Expert Controls
In SkyView 6.0 and later, you can choose between two different control schemes for your
Autopilot: Simplified or Expert Controls. For instructions on changing the control scheme, refer
to the SkyView System Installation Guide.
Simplified Controls are great for VFR pilots that are looking to reduce the complexity of the
Autopilot and cruise in comfort without a steep learning curve. With these controls, there are
fundamentally two autopilot modes, each activated by a single button. TRK+ALT flies the
aircraft in a commanded direction and holds altitude, while HSI+ALT flies the navigation source
on the HSI, such as a GPS flight plan or VOR.
Expert Controls include all of the autopilot modes IFR pilots need to complete their mission,
including VNAV, IAS Hold, mode sequencing, fully-coupled approaches, a Flight Director with
single cue (v-bars) or dual cue (crosshairs) presentation, and more.
Each of these control schemes are detailed in separate sections in this chapter.
Top Bar Autopilot Status Area
Figure 147 - Example Top Bar with Autopilot Status
Center AP Text
o AP is displayed in green when either or both AP axes’ servos are engaged.
o AP flashes in yellow when the autopilot has been disengaged within the last 10
seconds.
Roll and Pitch Axes Engaged Arrows or
o A green arrow to the left and right of the green AP center text points at the axis
or axes for which the servo is engaged.
o Flashes in yellow when the autopilot has been disengaged within the last 10
seconds.
Roll and Pitch Axis Information
o Active Mode and Target or
 The current mode and the mode’s target for each axis for which the
autopilot is providing guidance.
 Flashes for 10 seconds when an armed mode is sequenced and has
become the active mode.
o Armed Mode or
 The mode to which the autopilot will automatically transition when the
capture criteria for the new mode is satisfied.