Function of KFC 200 autopilot

[RobertE]

I've got a 1981 M20J with the standard KFC 200 autpilot. My question concerns exactly what control surfaces it manipulates, and how. Clearly it manipulates the ailerons. Does it manage pitch only via the trim or does it move both the elevator and trim? Does it manipulate the rudder in any way?

Thanks.

[mulro767]

I also have a 1981 M20J with a KFC 200. The system servos control only pitch and roll on a Mooney unless you have a yaw damper. Roll through the ailerons and pitch through both a pitch servo and a pitch/trim servo. The preflight check tests all three servos.

I'd become very familiar with the KFC200 operators handbook. I have a digital copy I can send to you. You should be performing the pre-flight check before every departure, especially when flying IMC.

Ping me your email and I'll send you a copy.

http://mooneyspace.com/gallery/image/33228-/

[Seth]

I have a KFC 200 in my 1983 M20J 300 Missile. I love it. I have it coupled to a Garmin 430W and do not have GPSS. I make all the steering turns by manually directing the different heading bugs. At some point, I'll install some sort of GPSS device.

No rudder control - Roll through the ailerons and pitch through both a pitch servo and a pitch/trim servo.

-Seth

[FoxMike]

RobertE,

Your autopilot tugs on the ailerons when you command a turn. The ailerons are interconnected to he rudder through a spring. During a turn you get a small amount of rudder force (ball is usually less than half out of doghouse). If you try to command the autopilot to turn on the ground the nose wheel will prevent the rudder from moving.

[RobertE]

Thanks, gentlemen. This was exactly the sort of info I was seeking.