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AUTOPILOT - ADJUSTMENT/TEST
1. General
A. The autopilot test-each-flight test automatically checks the autopilot system's torque monitor and torque switching circuits.
This test must be successfully performed before each flight; otherwise, the autopilot/yaw damper will not engage.
B. An autopilot operational check is included to make sure that the system is operating correctly. When most autopilot
components (that interface directly with other components of the flight guidance system) are removed/installed or replaced,
however, a complete functional check of the flight director/autopilot system should be performed. Refer to Chapter 34.
2. Autopilot Self-Test
NOTE: When power is initially applied to the airplane and to the avionics systems, the autopilot and/or yaw
damper will not engage until a self-test has been successfully completed.
NOTE: To engage the autopilot, the primary trim system must be set by momentarily actuating the trim switch
on either control wheel. This procedure must be repeated any time one of the autopilot/trim disconnect
switches (AP/TRIM/NWS) on the control wheels has been actuated.
A. Perform Autopilot Self-Test.
(1) Apply electrical power to airplane and to avionics systems.
(a) Position airplane DC POWER switch to BATT.
(b) Position AVIONICS POWER ON/OFF switch to ON and the INV ON/OFF switch to ON.
CAUTION: A steady up or dn light denotes that automatic synchronization is not functioning and the
autopilot should not be engaged.
(2) Make sure that the elevator TRIM annunciator on the autopilot controller is not illuminated.
CAUTION: An illuminated light indicates that the autopilot torque switching is not functioning and the
autopilot should not be engaged.
(3) Make sure that the AP TORQUE annunciator lights on the pilot's and copilot's instrument panels are not illuminated.
(4) Pre-arm the stabilizer trim by actuating the trim switch on pilot's or copilot's control wheel.
(5) Press the TEST EACH FLT switch on the autopilot controller for one second and release.
NOTE: If the autopilot self-test, which checks the torque monitor and torque switching circuits is
unsatisfactory, there will be no indication from the AUTOPILOT OFF annunciator and from the
autopilot off warning horn. Unless the test is satisfactory, the autopilot and/or yaw damper
cannot engage.
(a) The AP TORQUE annunciators on the pilot's and copilot's instrument panels should illuminate momentarily.
(b) Approximately two to three seconds later, the AUTOPILOT OFF annunciators should illuminate and the warning
horn sound (both for approximately one second).
3. Autopilot Operational Test
NOTE: When power is initially applied to the airplane and to the avionics systems, the autopilot and/or the yaw
damper will not engage until a self-test has been successfully completed. Furthermore, whenever the
115 volts (AC) to the autopilot computer has been interrupted, this self-test must again be completed
before the autopilot and/or the yaw damper can be engaged. A check of the self-test system is part of
the autopilot operational check below.
NOTE: To engage the autopilot, the primary trim system must be set. Setting the trim system is accomplished
by momentarily actuating the trim switch on either control wheel in an up or down direction. This
procedure must be repeated any time either of the red trim disconnect switches (AP/TRIM/NWS) on the
control wheels is actuated, before the autopilot can be engaged. These functions are checked below as
part of the autopilot operational check.
A. Perform Autopilot Operational Test.
(1) Perform the following preliminaries:
(a) Apply electrical power to the airplane and to avionics systems.
1 Position airplane DC POWER switch to BATT.
2 Position AVIONICS POWER ON/OFF switch to ON and the INV ON/OFF switch to ON.
2
The AUTOPILOT OFF annunciator light should illuminate and the warning horn sound, both for a short
interval.
3 Approximately 2 seconds later, the AUTOPILOT OFF lights should illuminate and the autopilot warning horn
sound for about one second.
(d) Release touch control steering switch.
(4) Check autopilot system torque limiter function.
NOTE: The torque limiter circuitry (in the autopilot computer) is tested by engaging the autopilot and
overpowering the controls in each axis. The autopilot/yaw damper system should remain
engaged if the torque limiters are functioning properly.
(a) Make sure that the autopilot controller TURN knob is in the center position.
(b) Set trim by momentarily actuating either trim switch.
(c) With control wheel/column at neutral position, engage autopilot by depressing the AP ENGAGE switch.
CAUTION: If autopilot disengages, it is not to be used.
(d) Check that the autopilot system can be overpowered by slowly moving the control wheel/column in pitch-and-roll.
(5) Reset elevator trim to desired setting after autopilot test.