727 Auto Throttle

[flyer7]

I can't get the auto throttle to work in the 727.

I have followed the panel installation instructions, including modifying the aircraft cfg.

I click on the air speed indicator, which sets the bug to 250 knots and calls for 15 flap setting. The aircraft does not lock on to the bug setting.

I have tried this with auto pilot off and with auto pilot on.

One heck of a 727 otherwise and much appreciated.

Reply by email would help. [e-mail]

Dennis

[aerofoto - HJG Admin]

The AT system in this B727 panel version (actually a BETA so far as we're concerned) doesn't work .... despite whatever the accompanying manual might say.

All progressing well .... we later on hope to release new B727 panel/s (plural) which are both aircraft type and period specific.

It's expected that "SOME" of these panels (though not all of them .... because not all B727's were AT equipped) will feature AT systems whilst other versions won't.

Mark C
AKL/NZ

[flyer7]

Thanks. I have the answer which works. Go to the aircraft.cfg. and Auto Pilot section. Change autothrottle arming required from 1 to 0.

[autopilot]
autothrottle_arming_required= 0

That does it. Works perfectly now.

Dennis

[aerofoto - HJG Admin]

Actually .... I forgot completly all about that CFG edit .... getting tired you see

It'll work even better (for those needing it) when George finishes fiddling with it as he progresses work on the new B727 panels

Mark
AKL/NZ

[skyking]

I didn't know any 727s had Auto Throttles???

[aerofoto - HJG Admin]

Most of these aircraft with which I got up front and personal didn't have AT's .... but others .... like "some" (though not all) of the ADVC series were AT equipped.

I guess it just depended upon airline preferences.

Mark C
AKL/NZ

[skyking]

Just seems like "pilots" now-a-days can't fly without all this automated cr*p! I don't like to see it.

[flyer7]

Five or six years ago I got into a cockpit of a then (new) Pan American Airlines 727..Worcester, MA to Orlando-Sanford. It had a FMC (one only) and other cockpit modifications, sort of a work around.

I fly several of my aircraft without using auto throttle. The ERJ-4X series doesn't have one. The Cessna 550 Citation II and Cessna CJ1 fly well without using. However, in this 727 the throttle is much to sensitive to adjustments. Good friend and former 727 and 747 captain told me the practice was to set the bug at 290 and fly the 727 on up with trim adjustments, keeping the needle on the bug.

Dennis

[braniffops]

It's really very easy to set power on the 727 without using any type of AT.

You just have to remember to adjust the throttles for EPR once every 5000 feet.

[aerofoto - HJG Admin]

It's really very easy to set power on the 727 without using any type of AT.

I can agree with that .... or .... just carefully adjusting the aircrafts ROC throughout the climb (as is my preference) in order to maintain a near constant speed.

Both means work quite fine for me !

Just a word or 2 about EPR and the AT system in the new B727 panels....

The EPR gauge indications in these new panels are hugely improved over those of the original/current panel.

And .... only B727-200 ADVC & B727-200 SUPER 27 aircraft will feature AT .... the rest of our B727 flightline won't have it installed at all.

Mark C
BOG/CO

[craig]

If you use AT understand that it works independently of the AP.

So you must be sure to turn it off when you disconnect the AP on your approaches.

Or you will get a nasty surprise on landing, or not landing as the case may be ;D

[aerofoto - HJG Admin]

"NO" ....

The AT system in our DC9's works independent of the AP .... and should be used during approaches to landing "ONLY" .... and .... it will disconnect, automatically, upon touchdown too. The AP, itself, still need to be disconnected manually though. The DC9 AP will also land the aircraft all the way to ground contact .... albeit quite firsmly.

In our B727 panels the AT (those equipped with it) .... works in connjunction with the AP (in other words the AP must be engaged before it can work .... and the rest here is from my B727 PANEL INSTALLATION & HANDLING NOTES ....

Only the B727-200 ADVC and B727-200 SUPER 27 panels are AT equipped. The AT is intended to work best during climb, cruise, and descent. It is not intended to be used for T/O. For the AT system to function properly .... the yellow ASI Speed Bug must first be set to the desired airspeed .... and the AT Switch then engaged. The AT system may be used throughout approaches to landing but will .... intentionally .... disconnect at 50 FT.

During approaches to landing, and with up to 20 degrees of flap selected and prior to extending the landing gear, the AT system may, if carrying too much speed, retard the thrust levers to their minimum detent .... triggering a constant alarm which cannot be silenced until either the landing gear is extended, or, the AT next advances the thrust levers above their minimum detent. To avoid this simply pay close attention to both approach speeds and ROD.

The B727 AP also .... will also land the aircraft all the way to ground contact .... and albeit quite firmly too.

Mark C
AKL/NZ

[craig]

in other words the AP must be engaged before it can work

No, the AT in the most recent, downloadable 727 panels, so equipped, is quite indepenent from the AP.

In the pic you see the AP is off, AT is clicked, and I'm passing 80 kts.

You have to trust me that I am not using the throttle of my joystick, but I am not. Joystick throttle is closed.

[aerofoto - HJG Admin]

I was pretty sure, that unlike is the case with the DC9 panels, the B727 panels AT worked only in conjunction with the AP .... BUT .... it's also been a while since I've flown the B727.

I'll check out this AT business again when I test fly the new texture which I'll be previewing later on today

Mark C
AKL/NZ