User Guide

Garmin G1000 AFCS Pilot’s Guide for Beechcraft A36/G36

190-00609-00 Rev. B

9-19

AUTOPILOT

9.4 AUTOPILOT AND YAW

DAMPER OPERATION

OVERVIEW

The Autopilot controls the aircraft pitch and roll atti-

tudes, while following commands received from the Flight

Director. Pitch autotrim provides trim commands to the

pitch trim servo, to relieve any sustained effort required

by the pitch servo. The Yaw Damper reduces Dutch roll

tendencies and coordinates turns.

Autopilot Engagement

When the AP key is pressed, the system engages (acti-

vates) the Autopilot and the Yaw Damper, if they are not

already engaged. If the Flight Director is not already ac-

tive, it is also activated when the AP key is pressed, and

starts in default pitch and roll modes.

Autopilot engagement is displayed in the center of the

AFCS mode annunciator ﬁeld. Autopilot engagement is

indicated by a green ‘AP’ and is accompanied by a green

‘YD’ to indicate Yaw Damper operation unless the Yaw

Damper has been disengaged.

Figure 9.4.1 Autopilot Engaged Annunciation

Autopilot Engaged

Autopilot Disengagement

Automatic Disengagement

Automatic disengagement typically occurs due to a

system failure. Automatic disengagement is indicated by

a ﬂashing red ‘AP’ annunciation and by the Autopilot dis

connect aural alert, which continue until acknowledged.

To acknowledge the disconnect, the pilot can press the AP

DISC button or the MET ARM switch.

For the Yaw Damper, automatic disengagement will

occur when the Autopilot disengagement is caused by a

failure in a parameter that also affects the Yaw Damper.

This means that the Yaw Damper can remain operational

in some cases where the Autopilot will automatically dis-

engage. The Yaw Damper will also disengage upon a lo-

calized failure in the Yaw Damper system.

Figure 9.4.2 Automatic Disconnect Annunciation

Automatic Disconnect