A/P

[The-sky-captain]

Now that I have my IR I am a little more concerned about system failures whie in IMC. I have a S TEC 30 with ALT hold that gets referance from the turn coordinator. Obviously if I lose electric I lose my A/P. What if I am tracking the heading bug and have vacuum failure? I know the DG would start to slowly tumble but the A/P would still keep wings level and track the original heading though right? Would a static failure affect my altitude hold? Would any failure other than electric affect any aspect of the A/P?

[KSMooniac]

Bodie, I don't think it will continue to track a heading bug from the DG in the event of a DG or vacuum failure.  At that point, you should engage a CDI track or better yet GPSS if you are so equipped.  Worst case, you could engage the wing leveler to hold it steady and make periodic corrections to the heading manually.

I'm not sure where the static pick-up is for the altitude hold...a static failure would be so rare I would not worry about it.  The only problem I've had with mine is after the plane has been sitting in a good rain storm...moisture in the static system makes my altitude hold a bit wonky, so be sure to drain the static system thoroughly if it has been outside in the rain.  Flying thru rain or clouds doesn't seem to affect mine.

[FlyDave]

Bodie,

Here is a link to great article on autopilots. I'm not sure it addresses your specific questions but certainly good information:

http://www.avionicslist.com/articles/autopilots.php

[Guest Anonymous]

Quote: The-sky-captain

... ...What if I am tracking the heading bug and have vacuum failure? I know the DG would start to slowly tumble but the A/P would still keep wings level and track the original heading though right? Would a static failure affect my altitude hold? Would any failure other than electric affect any aspect of the A/P?

[Piloto]

In case of an A/P failure you can revert to the control yoke.

José