I would like some help to clear up a doubt of mine; almost every time I am on short final to land and I disconnect the autopilot at 1000 FT, my plane starts to destabilize and goes off the runway axis, I try to fix it with the rudder but it gets worse. Can someone give me a suggestion, or tell me if it is some kind of infinite flight control configuration?
When you are on short final, the plane uses it’s system to form a descend angle for vertical speed along with the speed you set. Once the A/P is disabled, based on your load and speed your calibration might need a small adjustment. Make sure whenever you take manual control, before that you calibre your device.
Hi, as far as destabilization, you mentioned rudder adjustment.
Note that with any amount of crosswind your nose must be pointed somewhat in the upwind direction for you to be able to track a straight line down (you don’t need rudder in this phase of the approach) along the heading of the runway (this assumes a “crab angle” rather than a “slip”: rudder and ailerons cross controlled technique), to track the runway heading all the way down to the runway.
It can be helpful to watch the IF tutorial for crosswind landings to get the official instruction on this. And I think it is always usefull to practice such crosswind approach technique with multiple repetitions made easy using the short final option in solo flight.
For the right crab angle, the FPV will be pointed straight down the runway as the nose is pointed up wind. Then practice using just the right amount of rudder as as you flare, to point the nose in the direction of the runway.
Hi Phillip. When you disconnect the autopilot, does your plane start to drift off the runway heading with one particular aircraft, or any aircraft? Do you have APPR enabled, and your airplane stable, before disconnecting the autopilot? Is there a significant crosswind when you disconnect the autopilot?
One thing you can do is leave the HDG control active when disconnecting the autopilot. Adjust as necessary to stay on the runway center line. Disconnect at touchdown.
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