Flight Directors ?

[tathepilot]

I have a possible interview coming up. The operator has an a/c that uses a flight director. A friend of mine went on the interview a while ago. He asked her to use it. I've only used a fd once and it was about 5 years ago.

I'm looking for some info on how to use one. I know there are many types, I'm just looking for general info.

If anyone knows of websites etc. that could help it would be appreciated.


thx

 

[Lead Sled]

What type - cross hairs (+) or V-bar (^)?

 

[tathepilot]

What type - cross hairs (+) or V-bar (^)?

It has a vbar. but info on both would be great

 

[Lead Sled]

Oops, forgot to ask...

What type of flight director/autopilot? EFIS or no?

 

[tathepilot]

Oops, forgot to ask...

What type of flight director/autopilot? EFIS or no?

This is kind of Vague but I'm not sure of the type of fd. The a/c has no efis. It does have an autopilt, not sure of the type.
It is a be58.

 

[Hugh Johnson]

Simplest way to fly one is HEADING and ALT SELECT. There will be a Flight Director control panel. Before you take off, but the heading bug on the runway heading. After take off and with the gear up, select the above two buttons and keep the triangle in the Flight Driector Vbars. Vbars will go to the runway heading and ALT SEL will capture to keep you from flying thru it.

Most important, have the instructor pilot show you how to use it. There are many FD's and B58 may have different ones. Don't depart if you don't know how to use it. That will get you in big trouble.

Good luck!

 

[Lead Sled]

It's probably a King KFC-200, but I'll second what Hugh said. If managed correctly, a F/D is a tremendous aid. If mismanaged, F/Ds can really screw you up. I'm assuming that it's a King KFC-200 and the autopilot and F/D controls are on the same control head. They are not difficult to use, but this is not the place to go into a long, detailed explination on how to set up and fly them. It might be worth your while to see if you can find someone who flies a KFC-200 prior to your interview and see if they'd be willing to let you look at their pilot guide and explain the normal operation. Using it is not that big of a deal; basically, you just fly the V-bar. I also agree with Hugh's recommendation that you simply ask the guy that's riding with you to walk you through it. Pay attention to what he shows you, follow his instructions, and you'll have no problem. Good luck with your new job - a Baron is a nice flying airplane.

 

[tathepilot]

thanks

 

[FracCapt]

The most important thing with using ANY flight director....is to look BEYOND the FD and make sure it is telling you to do what you want to do. If not, it's either set wrong or malfunctioning(more than likely set wrong)....worst case scenario, turn it off and fly without it. I see too many people that are new to FD's develop a dependence on them...and follow them without seeing what they are telling you to do.

 

[tathepilot]

It's probably a King KFC-200, but I'll second what Hugh said. If managed correctly, a F/D is a tremendous aid. If mismanaged, F/Ds can really screw you up. I'm assuming that it's a King KFC-200 and the autopilot and F/D controls are on the same control head. They are not difficult to use, but this is not the place to go into a long, detailed explination on how to set up and fly them. It might be worth your while to see if you can find someone who flies a KFC-200 prior to your interview and see if they'd be willing to let you look at their pilot guide and explain the normal operation. Using it is not that big of a deal; basically, you just fly the V-bar. I also agree with Hugh's recommendation that you simply ask the guy that's riding with you to walk you through it. Pay attention to what he shows you, follow his instructions, and you'll have no problem. Good luck with your new job - a Baron is a nice flying airplane.

If I had to fly an a/c with a fd my first choice of instruction would to be properly trained using it. My friend that went on the interview was asked to use the fd, the guy that gave her the ride expected her to know how to use it. I think it might be a kfc-200. Is that made by king? Maybe I can find a manual on their website.

 

[146guy]

V bars: put the mustache in the pannies

cross hairs: for turning flight, bank the aircraft in the direction of the vertical needle and when the needle centers you are at the right bank angle (don't level your wings when the needle centers......I've seen many do this)