EC-135/Aircraft and Systems Description
SECTION 7. AIRCRAFT AND SYSTEMS DESCRIPTION
1 AUTOPILOT
The autopliot, or AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System), can be used to reduce pilot workload during long flights or in rescue situations. The AFCS has modes to "hold" airspeed, heading, altitude, vertical speed, or a combination of these. You can use the buttons on the device, or one of the following chat commands:
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| ap IAS | Toggle airspeed hold |
| ap ALT | Toggle altitude hold |
| ap HDG | Toggle heading hold |
| ap V/S | Toggle vertical speed hold |
| ap HVR | Enter autohover mode |
| ap SEL | Change "selected" parameter |
| ap + | Increase value of selected parameter |
| ap - | Decrease value of selected parameter |
| ap DIS | Disconnect autopilot |
| ap IAS n | Set the target airspeed to n |
| ap HDG n | Set the target heading to n |
| ap L n | Set the target heading left by n degrees |
| ap R n | Set the target heading right by n degrees |
| ap ALT n | Set the target altitude to n |
| ap V/S n | Set the target vertical speed to n |
Autopilot will also disconnect when rotor rpm is less than 80% or primary power is lost. Note than when airspeed is less than 40 knots, heading hold will be accomplished with pedals, while when airspeed is greater than 40 knots, heading is controlled with lateral cyclic.
1.1 Takeoff with autopilot
Center controls and press the HVR button to enable autohover. The target altitude will be set to the current altitude. Change the target altitude to a value above the current value, and the aircraft will automatically lift into a hover at the selected altitude.
1.2 Landing with autopilot
From a hover, enter an altitude below the ground level (e.g. 0). The aircraft will descent and land lowering collective when it touches the ground. You may also enter a negative value for the vertical speed with the same result.
