Instrument Approach Procedures with G1000/STec55X

[ScubaMan]

Hello,

I need a little help with correct procedures/work flow when flying autopilot coupled approches (ILS, VOR and GPS) with the G1000/STec55X integration. I can find tons of info on the G1000/GFC700 and the G1000/KAP140 installations but not much on the G1000/STec55X systems. I'm really not sure when the CDI button needs to be pressed or when Auto switching occurs? And when the auto pilot should be taken off "Nav Mode" then to "Heading Mode" before re-enganging "Approch Mode"..... All just a bit confusing and I can find nothing in the POH supplement. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Mike Johnson

N871TX Ovation 3

[JoeSpeed]

No need to push CDi unless you want to. It will auto switch about 10 seconds after you would push the button yourself. I would NAV GPS mode to FA fix or hdg if being vectored, then push APP after cleared for the approach.

Now you know why it was named S Tec because you will s turn a few times if intercepting the loc at an angle greater than 15 degrees.

Just make sure the GS and LOC are armed before starting the approach ,otherwise the AP will assume you want to continue using GPS mode and it will not couple

Hope this helps. If not post your contact email or phone

[Jeff_S]

I fly a Garmin 480 so I don't know much (well, anything!) about the G1000 but I do know the S-TEC 55. The methods may be similar. When using GPSS to fly the entry legs to an approach, the A/P is on Heading mode. As soon as I'm on the final approach path, I'll switch to NAV. As JoeSpeed says, this can sometimes cause a bit of swerving because the directional signal isn't as constant as the GPS. But if flying an ILS/LOC, the 480 will also switch automatically to the appropriate NAV source so I don't have to worry about that. Also, the S-TEC will switch into APR mode automatically or I can you can do it manually. GS capture should happen automatically as well (although mine is having some difficulties that are getting checked out today).

[ScubaMan]

Thanks for the advice....Very much appreciated