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  5. Autopilot controls the rudder, and it shouldn't.

Autopilot controls the rudder, and it shouldn't.

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved PA-28R Turbo Arrow III/IV
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  • Leonard McCoyL Leonard McCoy

    @stagefer Are you sure auto-rudder isn't enabled in the Options menu for assists?

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    N293WK
    wrote on last edited by
    #4

    @leonard-mccoy I have experienced this as well (long before the most recent update), because when I would disengage AP there would be a sudden yaw motion. And I definitely don't have autorudder on. I barely use AP though so I didn't give it much thought.

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    • Leonard McCoyL Leonard McCoy

      @stagefer Are you sure auto-rudder isn't enabled in the Options menu for assists?

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      Stagefer
      wrote on last edited by
      #5

      @leonard-mccoy

      @stagefer said in Autopilot controls the rudder, and it shouldn't.:

      Before someone asks, all assist are off.

      Yes, 100% sure, thanks.

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        Gabe777
        wrote on last edited by Gabe777
        #6

        Given the Hawk has no AP IRL..... I think the way they manage to enable a 'psuedo AP' is irrelevant.

        Maybe we should be grateful we have the option of an AP of sorts.

        It's not a PMDG airliner. Does it really matter ?

        I also believe there is an issue across the board with rudder/steering linkage and visual external rudder deflection, anyway.

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        • G Gabe777

          Given the Hawk has no AP IRL..... I think the way they manage to enable a 'psuedo AP' is irrelevant.

          Maybe we should be grateful we have the option of an AP of sorts.

          It's not a PMDG airliner. Does it really matter ?

          I also believe there is an issue across the board with rudder/steering linkage and visual external rudder deflection, anyway.

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          Sender46
          wrote on last edited by
          #7

          @gabe777 said in Autopilot controls the rudder, and it shouldn't.:

          It's not a PMDG airliner. Does it really matter ?

          The autopilot has a noticeable effect on the rudder, which it should not have. For those of us that buy Just Flight aircraft for the realism (which is a selling point they promote) yes of course it matters.

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          • S Sender46

            @gabe777 said in Autopilot controls the rudder, and it shouldn't.:

            It's not a PMDG airliner. Does it really matter ?

            The autopilot has a noticeable effect on the rudder, which it should not have. For those of us that buy Just Flight aircraft for the realism (which is a selling point they promote) yes of course it matters.

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            Gabe777
            wrote on last edited by Gabe777
            #8

            @sender46

            So how does an autopilot perform a coordinated turn ?

            Think about it.

            For a start I believe all turns are auto-coordinated in MSFS anyway. There is no need for a rudder in normal flight. Rudder trim is useful though.

            So bunging in a fake AP may be a bodge job... but not made easier by fundamental flaws in the sim.

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            • G Gabe777

              @sender46

              So how does an autopilot perform a coordinated turn ?

              Think about it.

              For a start I believe all turns are auto-coordinated in MSFS anyway. There is no need for a rudder in normal flight. Rudder trim is useful though.

              So bunging in a fake AP may be a bodge job... but not made easier by fundamental flaws in the sim.

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              Sender46
              wrote on last edited by Sender46
              #9

              @gabe777 said in Autopilot controls the rudder, and it shouldn't.:

              @sender46

              So how does an autopilot perform a coordinated turn ?

              Interesting and valid question, so I Googled "autopilot coordinated turn" and got this: "Planes can have three different types of autopilot software: one-axis, two-axis, and three-axis. The next-generation aircraft can be guided by improved three-axis autopilots. New generation autopilots can also direct the yaw by controlling the rudder along with rotation and reclining movements."

              and this: "it just depends on whether the GA autopilot is 2 axis (eg. KAP140) or 3 axis (eg KFC225 w/yaw damper). A 3 axis unit will co-ordinate turns - a 2 axis unit will not, although this is rarely an issue in reasonably calm winds and at cruise speeds."

              I'm pretty sure the Piper Arrow autopilot is not a next generation or new generation autopilot, in which case it doesn't perform coordinated turns.

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              • S Sender46

                @gabe777 said in Autopilot controls the rudder, and it shouldn't.:

                @sender46

                So how does an autopilot perform a coordinated turn ?

                Interesting and valid question, so I Googled "autopilot coordinated turn" and got this: "Planes can have three different types of autopilot software: one-axis, two-axis, and three-axis. The next-generation aircraft can be guided by improved three-axis autopilots. New generation autopilots can also direct the yaw by controlling the rudder along with rotation and reclining movements."

                and this: "it just depends on whether the GA autopilot is 2 axis (eg. KAP140) or 3 axis (eg KFC225 w/yaw damper). A 3 axis unit will co-ordinate turns - a 2 axis unit will not, although this is rarely an issue in reasonably calm winds and at cruise speeds."

                I'm pretty sure the Piper Arrow autopilot is not a next generation or new generation autopilot, in which case it doesn't perform coordinated turns.

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                Gabe777
                wrote on last edited by
                #10

                @sender46 I agree that it's far from perfick.

                But with the AP system in MSFS presently, I think that pseudo APs shoe-horned in by JF.... (like the entire thing on the Hawk.....obs ! ... and the altitude hold on the Arrows), are just an example of making compromises to make it work.

                Far from accurate and not ideal, but better than nothing.

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                • G Gabe777

                  @sender46 I agree that it's far from perfick.

                  But with the AP system in MSFS presently, I think that pseudo APs shoe-horned in by JF.... (like the entire thing on the Hawk.....obs ! ... and the altitude hold on the Arrows), are just an example of making compromises to make it work.

                  Far from accurate and not ideal, but better than nothing.

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                  Sender46
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #11

                  @gabe777 Other sim quirks and limitations have been worked around. Rather than just settle for "better than nothing", let's let others more knowledgeable than you and me assess what can or cannot be done.

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                  • S Sender46

                    @gabe777 Other sim quirks and limitations have been worked around. Rather than just settle for "better than nothing", let's let others more knowledgeable than you and me assess what can or cannot be done.

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                    NickD27
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #12

                    @sender46 I definitely agree this should be fixed. Have you created a ticket? If not I am happy to do some testing and create one

                    On the point of "how does an autopilot make a coordinated turn" without a yaw damper - I think it is just because the turns made by the autopilot are gentle enough that it isn't noticeable.

                    In the warriors and archers I fly IRL (haven't worked my way up to arrows just yet) if your turns are gentle enough you hardly need any rudder. The planes I fly (and I assume arrows are probably the same) have have frise ailerons which reduce adverse yaw

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                    • N NickD27

                      @sender46 I definitely agree this should be fixed. Have you created a ticket? If not I am happy to do some testing and create one

                      On the point of "how does an autopilot make a coordinated turn" without a yaw damper - I think it is just because the turns made by the autopilot are gentle enough that it isn't noticeable.

                      In the warriors and archers I fly IRL (haven't worked my way up to arrows just yet) if your turns are gentle enough you hardly need any rudder. The planes I fly (and I assume arrows are probably the same) have have frise ailerons which reduce adverse yaw

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                      Gabe777
                      wrote on last edited by Gabe777
                      #13

                      @nickd27

                      Well the latest update has changed all that Rudder confusion.

                      Haven't tested it yet, but the setting is now Auto Rudder as it was in FSX and P3D !

                      Under Accessibilty it now clearly says " Auto coordination of turns " ....AND "Reducing crosswind effect on takeoff."

                      No mention of landings though.

                      A lot of people with rudder pedals will be doing cartwheels.

                      I prefer seperate assistance TBH, splitting takeoff and in-air coordination... but massive improvement if it works.

                      No-one appears to have noticed yet.

                      I only noticed because the update reset ALL Accessibilty options to default.

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                      • N NickD27

                        @sender46 I definitely agree this should be fixed. Have you created a ticket? If not I am happy to do some testing and create one

                        On the point of "how does an autopilot make a coordinated turn" without a yaw damper - I think it is just because the turns made by the autopilot are gentle enough that it isn't noticeable.

                        In the warriors and archers I fly IRL (haven't worked my way up to arrows just yet) if your turns are gentle enough you hardly need any rudder. The planes I fly (and I assume arrows are probably the same) have have frise ailerons which reduce adverse yaw

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                        Sender46
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #14

                        @nickd27 said in Autopilot controls the rudder, and it shouldn't.:

                        @sender46 I definitely agree this should be fixed. Have you created a ticket? If not I am happy to do some testing and create one

                        I haven't because I assumed Stagefer would have when WalterBeech prompted him, but he may not have. If you are happy to do some testing and create one that's probably worth doing.

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                        • G Gabe777

                          Given the Hawk has no AP IRL..... I think the way they manage to enable a 'psuedo AP' is irrelevant.

                          Maybe we should be grateful we have the option of an AP of sorts.

                          It's not a PMDG airliner. Does it really matter ?

                          I also believe there is an issue across the board with rudder/steering linkage and visual external rudder deflection, anyway.

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                          Stagefer
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #15

                          @gabe777 said in Autopilot controls the rudder, and it shouldn't.:

                          Given the Hawk has no AP IRL..... I think the way they manage to enable a 'psuedo AP' is irrelevant.

                          We're not talking about the Hawk here, we're talking about the Turbo Arrow, that has a real single axis autopilot, not a pseudo one. And if you want realism in a flight sim this is absolutely relevant to me.

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                          • N NickD27

                            @sender46 I definitely agree this should be fixed. Have you created a ticket? If not I am happy to do some testing and create one

                            On the point of "how does an autopilot make a coordinated turn" without a yaw damper - I think it is just because the turns made by the autopilot are gentle enough that it isn't noticeable.

                            In the warriors and archers I fly IRL (haven't worked my way up to arrows just yet) if your turns are gentle enough you hardly need any rudder. The planes I fly (and I assume arrows are probably the same) have have frise ailerons which reduce adverse yaw

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                            Stagefer
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #16

                            @nickd27 said in Autopilot controls the rudder, and it shouldn't.:

                            I definitely agree this should be fixed. Have you created a ticket? If not I am happy to do some testing and create one

                            Didn't create a ticket. Please do it if you will. Thanks.

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                            • G Gabe777

                              @nickd27

                              Well the latest update has changed all that Rudder confusion.

                              Haven't tested it yet, but the setting is now Auto Rudder as it was in FSX and P3D !

                              Under Accessibilty it now clearly says " Auto coordination of turns " ....AND "Reducing crosswind effect on takeoff."

                              No mention of landings though.

                              A lot of people with rudder pedals will be doing cartwheels.

                              I prefer seperate assistance TBH, splitting takeoff and in-air coordination... but massive improvement if it works.

                              No-one appears to have noticed yet.

                              I only noticed because the update reset ALL Accessibilty options to default.

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                              N293WK
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #17

                              @gabe777 said in Autopilot controls the rudder, and it shouldn't.:

                              Under Accessibilty it now clearly says " Auto coordination of turns " ....AND "Reducing crosswind effect on takeoff."

                              I do not see this anywhere in accessibility settings, can you clarify where taht is?

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                                NickD27
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #18

                                So I was trying to reproduce this problem but for me the rudder didn't move by itself. I wonder if you have a bug in the sim itself where thee auto-rudder is enabled even though it shows as disabled? Maybe you should try enabling it, restarting the sim, and disabling it again.

                                During my testing I did find some unusual behaviour with the yoke when using the autopilot in roll mode (not heading mode)
                                https://youtu.be/XdIMYYLtihE

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                                • N N293WK

                                  @gabe777 said in Autopilot controls the rudder, and it shouldn't.:

                                  Under Accessibilty it now clearly says " Auto coordination of turns " ....AND "Reducing crosswind effect on takeoff."

                                  I do not see this anywhere in accessibility settings, can you clarify where taht is?

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                                  Gabe777
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #19

                                  @n293wk Senior moment. Confusing the two.

                                  How I could confuse a BAe Hawk with a Piper Arrow makes me think....... sorry, what was I saying πŸ₯ΊπŸ₯ΊπŸ₯ΊπŸ˜πŸ™ˆπŸ€£πŸ€£πŸ€£

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                                    weptburrito
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #20

                                    Just took this topic for a test drive, and while I agree that given the AP in this plane should be a single axis AP (minus the ALT hold convenience JF added) at no point did I see the rudder or the rudder pedals move under AP control. Be it in the 15kt crosswind or in heading mode or using the roll knob...or even using the rudder trim.

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                                    • N NickD27

                                      So I was trying to reproduce this problem but for me the rudder didn't move by itself. I wonder if you have a bug in the sim itself where thee auto-rudder is enabled even though it shows as disabled? Maybe you should try enabling it, restarting the sim, and disabling it again.

                                      During my testing I did find some unusual behaviour with the yoke when using the autopilot in roll mode (not heading mode)
                                      https://youtu.be/XdIMYYLtihE

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                                      Sender46
                                      wrote on last edited by Sender46
                                      #21

                                      @nickd27 said in Autopilot controls the rudder, and it shouldn't.:

                                      During my testing I did find some unusual behaviour with the yoke when using the autopilot in roll mode (not heading mode)
                                      https://youtu.be/XdIMYYLtihE

                                      Strange, I'm not seeing that behaviour. The roll mode appears to work correctly for me left and right.

                                      EDIT: That was in the Arrow III. Will check in the Turbo.

                                      EDIT 2:

                                      Just checked again and now I see what you're seeing (in both the Arrow III and the Turbo Arrow IV. I'm guessing the Warrior will be the same but I don't have that.)

                                      • Autopilot ON and in ROLL MODE, straight and level.
                                      • ROLL SWITCH to left (or right) and plane rolls and turns as expected.
                                      • While still turning, change to HDG MODE, leaving ROLL SWITCH to the left (or right).
                                      • Plane steers to heading bug and straightens up.
                                      • Change to ROLL MODE (ROLL SWITCH still turned left or right) but it does not revert to ROLL MODE.
                                      • Turn ROLL SWITCH back to centre and only then does ROLL MODE engage.

                                      Also:

                                      • ROLL SWITCH still turned left (or right).
                                      • In HDG MODE and plane turning to the heading bug.
                                      • Before reaching the heading bug, switch to ROLL MODE.
                                      • The plane stays in HDG MODE, continues turning and straightens up at the heading bug (i.e. even though HDG MODE is switched off, it stays in HDG MODE).
                                      • Turn the ROLL SWITCH to centre and only then does it come out of HDG MODE and engage ROLL MODE.

                                      And there's more. After the step below (copied from above):

                                      • The plane stays in HDG MODE, continues turning and straightens up at the heading bug (i.e. even though HDG MODE is switched off, it stays in HDG MODE).
                                      • Then, without doing anything else, try to use the yoke to control the plane and boy, do you get a wild ride!! The plane becomes almost uncontrollable but this can be recovered by switching the autopilot off.

                                      Before I raise a support ticket, can you confirm whether any of that is how it works in real life or not?

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                                      • S Sender46

                                        @nickd27 said in Autopilot controls the rudder, and it shouldn't.:

                                        During my testing I did find some unusual behaviour with the yoke when using the autopilot in roll mode (not heading mode)
                                        https://youtu.be/XdIMYYLtihE

                                        Strange, I'm not seeing that behaviour. The roll mode appears to work correctly for me left and right.

                                        EDIT: That was in the Arrow III. Will check in the Turbo.

                                        EDIT 2:

                                        Just checked again and now I see what you're seeing (in both the Arrow III and the Turbo Arrow IV. I'm guessing the Warrior will be the same but I don't have that.)

                                        • Autopilot ON and in ROLL MODE, straight and level.
                                        • ROLL SWITCH to left (or right) and plane rolls and turns as expected.
                                        • While still turning, change to HDG MODE, leaving ROLL SWITCH to the left (or right).
                                        • Plane steers to heading bug and straightens up.
                                        • Change to ROLL MODE (ROLL SWITCH still turned left or right) but it does not revert to ROLL MODE.
                                        • Turn ROLL SWITCH back to centre and only then does ROLL MODE engage.

                                        Also:

                                        • ROLL SWITCH still turned left (or right).
                                        • In HDG MODE and plane turning to the heading bug.
                                        • Before reaching the heading bug, switch to ROLL MODE.
                                        • The plane stays in HDG MODE, continues turning and straightens up at the heading bug (i.e. even though HDG MODE is switched off, it stays in HDG MODE).
                                        • Turn the ROLL SWITCH to centre and only then does it come out of HDG MODE and engage ROLL MODE.

                                        And there's more. After the step below (copied from above):

                                        • The plane stays in HDG MODE, continues turning and straightens up at the heading bug (i.e. even though HDG MODE is switched off, it stays in HDG MODE).
                                        • Then, without doing anything else, try to use the yoke to control the plane and boy, do you get a wild ride!! The plane becomes almost uncontrollable but this can be recovered by switching the autopilot off.

                                        Before I raise a support ticket, can you confirm whether any of that is how it works in real life or not?

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                                        NickD27
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #22

                                        @sender46 I have not flown with the Autocontrol III autopilot in real life so I'm not sure exactly how it works. I do know that typically you would have the plane flying straight and level before activating the autopilot and typically you would already be flying the heading you have set it to (if in HDG mode) so it kind of makes sense that the roll mode doesn't activate until you set it to straight and level - but I'm not sure if that's how it would operate in real life.

                                        Definitely the graphical glitch where the yoke seems to match the roll selector on the autopilot is a bug though

                                        RetiredMan93231R S 2 Replies Last reply
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                                        • N NickD27

                                          @sender46 I have not flown with the Autocontrol III autopilot in real life so I'm not sure exactly how it works. I do know that typically you would have the plane flying straight and level before activating the autopilot and typically you would already be flying the heading you have set it to (if in HDG mode) so it kind of makes sense that the roll mode doesn't activate until you set it to straight and level - but I'm not sure if that's how it would operate in real life.

                                          Definitely the graphical glitch where the yoke seems to match the roll selector on the autopilot is a bug though

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                                          RetiredMan93231
                                          wrote on last edited by RetiredMan93231
                                          #23

                                          @nickd27 said in Autopilot controls the rudder, and it shouldn't.:

                                          Definitely the graphical glitch where the yoke seems to match the roll selector on the autopilot is a bug though

                                          The yoke and the ailerons are mechanically tied together with cables, so the two should always move together... But, you are correct that the yoke seems to be tied to the ROLL knob position instead of following the ailerons!

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