KFC200 AP Anomaly

[Jim Rosenow]

Preparing to return home to OH from NC yesterday we experienced a continuously flashing TRIM indication on the KFC200 annunciator panel on the C182R during start/run-up. Normally, on start-up and system test, TRIM will flash 4 to 6 times, then go out. We confirmed that nothing was out of the ordinary (no trim run-on, no unusual ammeter indications indicating trim motor running, manual and electric trim operated normally with visually-observable effect on elevator, no other unusual indications, etc). Popped the CB for the trim motor just to be on the safe side, and launched.

At altitude, after briefing for eventualities, we cycled the AP CB, then pushed the CB for the trim back in, and the flashing started again. Engaged the AP, and the flashing continued. After long enough to find a band-aid to put over it, the flashing quit. AP subsequently flew us for 3:30 without issue, including trim.

Nothing in the manuals for trouble-shooting such an indication. Tending to think it's the old girl telling us she missed her cozy hangar (outside over-night on the ramp).....aka, a one-time anomaly. Anyone got thoughts to negate or support the theory?

Thanks!

Jim

PS...and yes I know the easy way to test the theory is to fly it again. Not good wx to do it, so thought I'd check collected wisdom

 

[Bill]

We had intermittent flashing, then after that we started having porpoising when in altitude hold. We ended up having both the trim and pitch servos remanufactured, it's been fine since.

If you ever need to have them done, these guys know their stuff and were reasonable: http://www.butleravionics.com/

 

[Jim Rosenow]

We had intermittent flashing, then after that we started having porpoising when in altitude hold. We ended up having both the trim and pitch servos remanufactured, it's been fine since.

If you ever need to have them done, these guys know their stuff and were reasonable: http://www.butleravionics.com/

Thanks, Bill! Headed for IL later in the week, and will see what transpires. This place is awesome....10 minutes from question to first productive answer!

Jim

 

[Bill]

Thanks, Bill! Headed for IL later in the week, and will see what transpires. This place is awesome....10 minutes from question to first productive answer!

Jim

If it starts giving you issues, call Jerry? Hollins at Butler, he really knows autopilots. Just by my descriptions of the symptoms he told me what servos to remove and send in.

 

[Jim Rosenow]

If it starts giving you issues, call Jerry? Hollins at Butler, he really knows autopilots. Just by my descriptions of the symptoms he told me what servos to remove and send in.

You, sir, ROCK!

Jim

 

[MauleSkinner]

Wouldn't that technically be a failed self-test?