Louise Hose
Well Known Member
PAST EXPERIENCE
I wonder how many folks out there are like me? I fly a plane (okay, two planes) with sexy and attractive glass panels with amazing IFR capacities, yet I only utilize a small portion of their capabilities. If I need to fly IFR or even challenging VFR, I have always opted for my RV-6 (“Mikey”) and its legacy Dynon/TruTrak panel. I’m a master of that relatively simple combination. Partly, I have far more hours in the -6 so I know it better. But, mostly, I found the more sophisticated GRT-TruTrak set-up in the Valkyrie (RV-8) and G3X-TruTrak suite in Tsam (RV-3) more difficult to utilize, even for some relatively simple applications. With the legacy TruTrak autopilot, Mikey held altitude and keep me safely under the local Class B airspace while hand flying the heading. But, is there a way to hold altitude without also engaging the heading hold with the Val’s or Tsam’s autopilot set up? If there is, I haven’t found it.
ENTER THE GMC 305
The GMC305 is mounted at the top of the radio stack
Playing with the new Garmin GMC 305 Autopilot Controller, I discovered that a single push of the Alt button will hold altitude. I also learned that the wheel on the panel will adjust the rate of climb/descent, which shows on the G3X elevation tape. Easy peasy and totally intuitive. Setting the target altitude and heading was simple and easy to figure out, especially with my previous experience with the G3X and the GRT EFISs. Sorting through the menu buttons on the G3X screen to link the autopilot to the appropriate radio was also easy to figure out. The autopilot head and interface makes a huge difference in the intuitiveness of the EFIS-autopilot interface.
The G28 autopilot servos are installed under the pilot’s seat (roll) and just behind the baggage bulkhead (pitch).
FLYING COUPLED APPROACHES
I had the chance to do my first coupled GPS approach in Mikey last weekend. All I can say is “wow”. We shot a couple of GPS approaches. Paul set-up the first approach while talking me through the button-pushing. Load the desired approach into the Garmin GTN650 (far more intuitive than the cumbersome G-430!). Ensure the EFIS is talking to the intended Nav radio (GPS or VOR). Push the APR button on the autopilot head. Off Mikey flew through a beautifully executed, GPS approach to 250’ agl. Paul set up the missed approach and off we flew into a solid holding pattern. It was pretty breathe-taking! Next, with Paul’s narration, I “flew” a second flawless approach. And, with that little effort, I bet I can now go out and practice approaches without coaching. It was remarkably simple and intuitive, mostly thanks to the new autopilot head.
I wonder how many folks out there are like me? I fly a plane (okay, two planes) with sexy and attractive glass panels with amazing IFR capacities, yet I only utilize a small portion of their capabilities. If I need to fly IFR or even challenging VFR, I have always opted for my RV-6 (“Mikey”) and its legacy Dynon/TruTrak panel. I’m a master of that relatively simple combination. Partly, I have far more hours in the -6 so I know it better. But, mostly, I found the more sophisticated GRT-TruTrak set-up in the Valkyrie (RV-8) and G3X-TruTrak suite in Tsam (RV-3) more difficult to utilize, even for some relatively simple applications. With the legacy TruTrak autopilot, Mikey held altitude and keep me safely under the local Class B airspace while hand flying the heading. But, is there a way to hold altitude without also engaging the heading hold with the Val’s or Tsam’s autopilot set up? If there is, I haven’t found it.
ENTER THE GMC 305
The GMC305 is mounted at the top of the radio stack
Playing with the new Garmin GMC 305 Autopilot Controller, I discovered that a single push of the Alt button will hold altitude. I also learned that the wheel on the panel will adjust the rate of climb/descent, which shows on the G3X elevation tape. Easy peasy and totally intuitive. Setting the target altitude and heading was simple and easy to figure out, especially with my previous experience with the G3X and the GRT EFISs. Sorting through the menu buttons on the G3X screen to link the autopilot to the appropriate radio was also easy to figure out. The autopilot head and interface makes a huge difference in the intuitiveness of the EFIS-autopilot interface.
The G28 autopilot servos are installed under the pilot’s seat (roll) and just behind the baggage bulkhead (pitch).
FLYING COUPLED APPROACHES
I had the chance to do my first coupled GPS approach in Mikey last weekend. All I can say is “wow”. We shot a couple of GPS approaches. Paul set-up the first approach while talking me through the button-pushing. Load the desired approach into the Garmin GTN650 (far more intuitive than the cumbersome G-430!). Ensure the EFIS is talking to the intended Nav radio (GPS or VOR). Push the APR button on the autopilot head. Off Mikey flew through a beautifully executed, GPS approach to 250’ agl. Paul set up the missed approach and off we flew into a solid holding pattern. It was pretty breathe-taking! Next, with Paul’s narration, I “flew” a second flawless approach. And, with that little effort, I bet I can now go out and practice approaches without coaching. It was remarkably simple and intuitive, mostly thanks to the new autopilot head.
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