jestertoo
Pre-Flight
I'm learning how to use the autopilot in the 172sp I fly. It's a great tool, but can get you into trouble.
So after a takeoff last night, I hit the AP button and started dialing up an approach frequency to get flight following. The autopilot faithfully kept the wings level and tried to maintain the 1100+fpm climb rate, right on down to about 70kts and slowing rapidly (from 100kts) when I realized how pitched back it was. Quick disco/push and back into safe attitude. I'm thinking a power on stall with attention deficit would be ugly after dark at fairly low altitude.
So after a takeoff last night, I hit the AP button and started dialing up an approach frequency to get flight following. The autopilot faithfully kept the wings level and tried to maintain the 1100+fpm climb rate, right on down to about 70kts and slowing rapidly (from 100kts) when I realized how pitched back it was. Quick disco/push and back into safe attitude. I'm thinking a power on stall with attention deficit would be ugly after dark at fairly low altitude.