Cirrus Monthly Proficiency Program
February– Two for One:
Using the Autopilot to Manage Workload

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Cirrus Monthly Proficiency Program
February– Two for One:
Using the Autopilot to Manage Workload

IT’S ALL IN THE HANDLING Whether flying an instrument approach, resolving a systems failure, or cruising in VFR conditions, properly managing cockpit workload will greatly enhance safety, efficiency, and effectiveness. Even more importantly, always maintaining positive airplane control is essential to a safe flying experience. A two-axis autopilot, like the S-Tec installed in your Cirrus, can significantly reduce workload by helping maintain control of your airplane while allowing you to attend to other pressing tasks.

		When using the autopilot to reduce your in-flight workload, it’s extremely important to monitor both the autopilot’s control of the airplane and your flight progress. While the autopilot may be controlling the plane, you should always control the autopilot!

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Cirrus Monthly Proficiency Program
February– Two for One:
Using the Autopilot to Manage Workload

THE AUTOPILOT SYSTEM
The Cirrus SR-20 and SR-22 can be equipped with either the Meggit S-Tec 55SR or 55X autopilot system. While the two systems have many similarities, the 55X is slightly more advanced and is the system described in this month’s Pilot’s World. For the specific model, procedures, and limitations of the autopilot in your airplane, please refer to your POH, supplements, and autopilot manual.

		NOTE The S-Tex 55x is an extremely capable autopilot with numerous modes and functions. You should review the basics of autopilot use with a CSIP instructor, as this month’s Pilot’s World covers only a few important items.

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Cirrus Monthly Proficiency Program
February– Two for One:
Using the Autopilot to Manage Workload

The S-Tec 55X
The S-Tec 55X is a two-axis, rate-based autopilot system. Trim motors and spring cartridges control both pitch and roll, while the essential bus supplies power for the autopilot computer and trim motors.

Additionally, altitude information is provided from the static system via an altitude encoder and all roll information comes from an electric turn coordinator located behind the right side of the instrument panel.

click image for a larger view

In the event of a PFD failure, these independent data sources will continue to provide the autopilot with valid information.

		NOTE If a PFD failure occurs, pitch and roll information will be valid, but you must remember to provide navigational information from GPS 1 via the GPS Steer mode on the autopilot.

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Cirrus Monthly Proficiency Program
February– Two for One:
Using the Autopilot to Manage Workload

The Sky Guide
Many autopilots are delivered with an additional flight director system. The flight director replaces the flying “W” airplane symbol with a “wedge.” It also adds two command bars when an autopilot mode is activated.

When the command bars are magenta, the autopilot is controlling the airplane. When the command bars are green, you are flying the plane and should keep the wedge nestled in the bars. The bars are activated through the autopilot and flight director interface and will depict the command modes entered on the autopilot unit.

		NOTE It is good practice to follow the command bars when flying in manual mode with the flight director turned on. If you are not flying in accordance with the command bars, disengage the autopilot/flight director system.

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Cirrus Monthly Proficiency Program
February– Two for One:
Using the Autopilot to Manage Workload

Know the Limits
Like most aircraft systems, the autopilot and flight director have limits. Know and follow these limits carefully!

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Cirrus Monthly Proficiency Program
February– Two for One:
Using the Autopilot to Manage Workload

Normal Operations
Even during normal operations, the autopilot is a valuable tool for reducing workload and improving pilot efficiency. While you may choose to hand fly at times, autopilot use may be the rule during other flight segments. Follow these tips and guidelines for efficient autopilot use:

• Preset heading and altitude bugs when accepting a clearance from ATC.
• Use the autopilot when doing checklists or tasks such as leaning the engine, setting up an instrument approach, or altering a GPS flight plan.
• When VFR, use the autopilot to control the airplane so that you can spend more time looking for traffic.
• When setting up or flying an instrument approach, consider using the autopilot so you can spend more time maintaining situational awareness and staying ahead of the airplane.
• Use the autopilot any time your workload is high and needs to be reduced.

		NOTE While the autopilot is an excellent tool for managing tasks, it is also important to maintain proficiency at flying the airplane by hand. Use good judgment when deciding whether to fly by hand or use the autopilot.

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Cirrus Monthly Proficiency Program
February– Two for One:
Using the Autopilot to Manage Workload

Abnormal and Emergency Operations
Autopilot use during abnormal and emergency operations can be a critical step toward reducing your workload and safely resolving the situation. While every situation is different and requires that you make appropriate decisions, the following guidelines will help you use the autopilot when the pressure is on:

		NOTE The following suggestions are not complete procedures. Refer to your POH, supplements, manuals, and CSIP instructor for complete procedures and corrective actions.

• PFD failure:
  Use the GPSS and ALT modes to reduce workload, assist in maintaining airplane control, and simplify your scan. Try to find a GPS approach that doesn’t require a procedure turn and remember that you will not be able to fly headings or pre-select altitudes and vertical speeds.

• Inadvertent IMC encounter
  Synch the heading bug, engage the autopilot HDG and ALT modes, and use the heading bug to initiate 180 degree turn back to VMC.

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Cirrus Monthly Proficiency Program
February– Two for One:
Using the Autopilot to Manage Workload

Abnormal and Emergency Operations (Continued)

• Unusual Attitudes
  If you are severely disoriented, consider leveling the airplane and engaging the autopilot HDG and ALT modes for autopilot recovery.

• Low-oil Pressure
  Engage the autopilot to reduce your workload while completing emergency checklists and trouble shooting. If you suspect oil loss or engine malfunction, consider manually controlling the airplane in preparation for engine failure.

• Alternator Failure
  Engage the autopilot to reduce workload during emergency checklists and trouble shooting procedures. If a single alternator failure is confirmed, continue to use the autopilot. Although it is extremely unlikely, a dual alternator failure may require that the autopilot be disconnected to conserve battery power.

		Practice autopilot use in each of these situations with a CSIP instructor to help maintain proficiency and ensure proper procedure.

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Cirrus Monthly Proficiency Program
February– Two for One:
Using the Autopilot to Manage Workload

Abnormal and Emergency Operations (continued)

		There are also some notable abnormal and emergency situations during which autopilot use should be avoided or may be impossible:

• TAWS escape maneuver
  The immediate response to a TAWS warning should be manual control inputs to establish a full-power Vx climb. Immediately overpower and disengage the autopilot as necessary.

• In-flight Cabin Fire
  Establish and maintain manual control, as the autopilot will disengage when power is removed from electrical system during the emergency checklist. An exception is if Battery 2 is left on in IMC. In this case, the autopilot will remain active and should be used as an assist during the emergency situation.

• All Engine Failures (In the pattern or at altitude)
  Establish and maintain manual control during power loss, best glide speed operation, and emergency landing procedures.

• Emergency Descent
  Always hand fly an emergency descent.

		NOTE As before, these suggestions are not complete procedures. Refer to your POH, supplements, manuals, and CSIP instructor for complete procedures and corrective actions.

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Cirrus Monthly Proficiency Program
February– Two for One:
Using the Autopilot to Manage Workload

Common Errors
Occasionally, autopilot systems do something that you don’t expect. Most of the time, you can trace the problem back to a user error. While the S-Tec 55X is very advanced, it is not difficult to use when you understand the system.

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Cirrus Monthly Proficiency Program
February– Two for One:
Using the Autopilot to Manage Workload

NTSB ACCIDENT REPORT
Now that you’ve learned about the importance of the autopilot as a tool to manage workload and expand your Single Pilot Resource Management skills, click on the following link to review an NTSB Accident Report:

Analyze the accident. Think about how the proper use of an autopilot system might have helped prevent the accident.

• What features of the autopilot might have helped the pilot maintain control of his airplane?
• What procedures discussed in this month’s Pilot’s World might have led to a more desirable outcome?
• What weather-based decisions might have prevented the accident?

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Cirrus Monthly Proficiency Program
February– Two for One:
Using the Autopilot to Manage Workload

OBJECTIVE
This month’s flight segment incorporates autopilot use into your in-flight activities. The objective is to practice and reinforce proper use of the autopilot as you manage your cockpit workload with automation.

Complete the following autopilot exercises by incorporating them into your flight activities. Ideally, you will complete these exercises with a CSIP instructor on board to help critique and assess your performance. Always maintain situational awareness and never compromise the safety of yourself or others.

Flight activity items to complete:

• Complete a Personal Weather Minimums assessment.
• Obtain a thorough pre-flight weather briefing.
• Make an appropriate go/no-go decision for the flight.
• During flight, practice using the autopilot to:
• Reduce your workload.
• Efficiently manage normal operations
• Assist in managing abnormal and emergency operations
• Properly select the correct modes and navigation sources to achieve
  the desired result.

For a Printable PDF version of this information, CLICK HERE.

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Cirrus Monthly Proficiency Program
February– Two for One:
Using the Autopilot to Manage Workload

You will successfully complete the February Cirrus Monthly Pilot Proficiency program when you have gained a thorough understanding of the autopilot system and use it to reduce workload and increase situational awareness. Additionally, you will understand how to properly use the autopilot’s modes and functions, as well as manage abnormal and emergency situations that may require immediate autopilot use or disconnection.

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