Operation Notes

General

Flashing HDG or autopilot not tracking HDG/NAV/APR/REV modes?

When the autopilot of your aircraft is set to 'OBS' as the navigation course source, the K140 will flash 'HDG' when a navigation-based mode is selected. This flashing indicator serves as a prompt to ensure that you have adjusted the heading bug to align with the correct front course on the HSI/CDI. Doing so allows the autopilot to accurately track localizers or follow a GPS track. If the HSI/CDI course is incorrect, the autopilot will not function as expected.

For more info see: Autopilot Sources - X-Plane Developer  and the KAP140 Pilot Guide.

Aircraft Configured Autopilots

The operation of the K140 can vary slightly depending on the aircraft's configured autopilot:

KAP 140

With this autopilot configured in the aircraft, the K140 will closely match the real world KAP 140 behaviour.

STec 55: ( Used in the default analogue Cessna 172  )

The STec 55 autopilot does not use toggle logic for its buttons, meaning you cannot revert to a default mode by pressing the button of an active mode. Instead, a new mode must be selected to deactivate the previous one.

For glideslope (GS) tracking during an ILS approach (APR), the localizer deflection must be within 50% of its maximum, the aircraft must be positioned below the glideslope, and the glideslope deflection must be at least 60% of its maximum.

Note: For GS ARM to automatically engage on activating APR, the localizer deflection must be within three dots, along with meeting the conditions above. Additionally, the autopilot must be in ALT mode—if not, subsequently use the ALT button to engage GS ARM.

This autopilot also supports GPSS mode. By pressing the NAV button twice, you can enable this feature. To make activation clear, a satellite icon has been added to the display.

see: X-Plane S-TEC Manual for more info on the operation of the STec 55.