727 Autopilot

[aviator21]

I appreciate the work done to bring a free 727 to FSX. My VA is currently doing a "Three Hole Challenge" where we fly various three-engined aircraft around the world, 727 being one of them, along with the L-1011 Tristar, DC10, and MD-11. The panels for the 727 are very detailed and realistic, but I have just one problem... I can't fly the thing.

Maybe it's because I've been spoiled with FMC's and other high-tech toys in the flight deck and now that it's coming back old school I'm a bit lost. I read the manual and know the basics of what to do, but still am at a loss.

I'm using the 727-200 NWA model/texture and tried various panels here. I really want to know how to set the altitude for climb. I know, obviously, I have to pull back on the stick to take off, blah blah... but is there a way to set for initial clearance, say 5,000 feet, and then setting the altitude with each clearance? All I see is Altitude hold, which I suppose just holds the a/c at the current altitude, correct? There's a HDG hold mode, and I can come to grips with no auto throttle, though it will take some time to get used to it. I just can't see not having an altitude setting mode. Makes things a bit easier in the long run. Any general guidance?

Thanks,
Matt

[aerofoto - HJG Admin]

OK .... have a look at my posting entitled "B727 PANEL INSTALLATION & HANDLING NOTES" .... on the ABOUT HJG AIRCRAFT forum page.

Most of everything that's important which you need to know about flying the VL/HJG B727's is provided there.

And then get back to us if necessary !

Mark C
AKL/NZ

[aviator21]

I did actually find the information I was looking for after doing a google search when I got home from work. Like I said, I've been spoiled with high-tech modernized equipment and find it hard to believe that jetliners would fly with minimal autopilot. Guess I was wrong.

[hitperson]

i don't have any 727 experience but if it is like any of the other "oldies" that i have used there should be a manual mode with pitch and roll settings which you can use to set rate of climb

[aerofoto - HJG Admin]

Here is the AP section from my "B727 PANEL INSTALLATION & HANDLING NOTES" .... which I've just rewritten, for hopefully great clarity, this morning ....

AP PANEL

The AP system featured in these B727 panels is engaged by selecting "UP/ON" both paddle switches. The left paddle switch influences Aileron setting. The right paddle switch influences Elevator setting.

Disconnecting the AP system will trigger a red flashing lamp on the main panel. It will .... intentionally .... not then be possible to re-engage the AP system until this red lamp is manually extinguished .... per a simple mouse click.

The AP System can also be disconnected using the AP System knob .... but .... it should not be used to do so. This knob is knob is used only to select between the hydraulic systems used by the AP to assist controlling the aircraft during AP controlled flight modes

Inflight, and when the AP engaged, the large AP Pitch & Roll knob is used to roll the aircraft left or right, and also, to trim the aircraft up or down .... per mouse clicking either its extreme left, right, top, or bottom edges. Clicking the left side of the AP Pitch & Roll knob turns the aircraft left .... and .... clicking the right side of the AP Pitch & Roll knob turns the aircraft right .... but only when the small AP Roll Mode Selector knob is set to "MANUAL". Clicking the extreme top side of the AP Pitch & Roll Knob trims the aircraft down .... and .... clicking the extreme bottom side of the AP Pitch & Roll Knob trims the aircraft up .... but only when the AP ALT HLD switch is not engaged.

"HDG HLD" and "VOR/LOC" are both engaged using seperate switches on the AP. Only 1 of these 2 modes can be engaged at any time. The HDG HLD switch will .... intentionally .... disconnect when the VOR/LOC switch is engaged. Once captured both HDG HLD and VOR/LOC intercepts are confirmed by illuminated green lamps on the FD mode anunciator panel .... but only when the FD switch is set to either of these 2 modes.

The B727 panel AP is capable of fully ILS coupled approaches to landing, but, speed must be set .... and maintained .... strictly in accordance with the computed V-REF data. Excessive speed during AP controlled ILS approaches will force the aircrafts nose down, and, insufficient speed will cause the nose to drift up .... possibly to the extent of obscuring RWY vsibility during approaches to landing.

The AP featured in these B727 panels is what we inherited when we imported these panels to HJG and wil not be further modified.

Here is a link for the complete/full "B727 PANEL INSTALLATION & HANDLING NOTES" posting ....
tonymadgehjg.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=hjgaircraftlistings&thread=2382&page=1

Most of everything that's essential to be known regarding flying these panels is covered within these service notes.

Mark C
AKL/NZ