Fonctions avancèes du EZ Pilot

Pilot Command Steering

In either the TRK or CRS mode, if the remote servo disconnect switch is held down for more than 3 seconds, the servo LED will begin to flash, indicating that the PCS mode is active. While holding the button down the pilot may manually fly to any new course desired and, upon releasing the switch, the autopilot will enter the CRS mode and track the new course over the ground. Top

Selectable Track Offset Position (TOP)

While flight testing the autopilot and flying flight plans using published airways, we often encountered other airplanes using the same airway. While this was usually during climb or descent (for either us or the opposing aircraft) it was a potential safety issue. As more aircraft are using precision GPS receivers to navigate, and many are coupled to autopilots, such close encounters are likely to increase. For this reason, the EZ Pilot incorporates a Track Offset Position (TOP) feature that allows the pilot to select a track offset of up to 1 mile. This places the aircraft away from the course centerline where much of the traffic might be found. It is interesting to note, that if all aircraft positioned themselves to the right of the published course centerline (for instance), opposing traffic would always be on the opposite side of the centerline. Top

Speed Controlled Bank Angle

A "standard rate turn" of 3 degrees per second may result in a comfortable bank angle at 130 knots, but as speed increases the bank angle must be increased to achieve the standard rate of turn. In faster aircraft this steeper bank may be uncomfortable to some pilots and, indeed, may exceed the capability of an altitude hold system to maintain altitude properly in the turn. To remedy this, the EZ Pilot has a means whereby the users can adjust the maximum rate of turn to their personal satisfaction. When shipped, the EZ Pilot is defaulted to an "automatic" mode where the actual turn rate is automatically adjusted based on groundspeed (as measured by your GPS). For aircraft cruising at groundspeeds of 140 knots or greater the automatic mode will decrease the allowable turn rate to keep the aircraft bank angle at a comfortable maximum of approximately 15 degrees. Slower speeds will allow a standard rate turn of 3 degrees per second. Top

Adjustable Turn Rate Limit

If your cruise groundspeed is typically less than 150 knots, or if you do not mind the higher bank angles at the higher groundspeeds, you may want to select the MANUAL mode. In the MANUAL mode you can set the maximum turn rate to a fixed limit. It is adjustable from 1 degree/sec to as high as 3 degree/sec, in increments of 1/10th degree/sec. Top

Emergency Course Reversal

In an effort to increase safety and save lives, this mode may be implemented as an emergency aid to the VFR pilot who inadvertently enters IMC conditions and needs to execute an immediate course reversal. It is important to realize that the autopilot must be turned on and receiving a good GPS data signal for proper operation. You may be tracking a flight plan but a sudden IMC encounter may not leave you with an opportunity to reprogram your GPS to invert the flight plan. This procedure does not require you to adjust your GPS receiver. If you are manually flying your aircraft, this procedure will also work because the servo does not have to be engaged to initiate this emergency procedure.

The procedure is simple and straightforward. Press and hold the MODE button for three seconds. That's all you need to do! After three seconds the following will occur:
1 The servo will be energized (if off) and the wing leveler function will engage.
2 The upper right display line will read "TRN 180"
3 The lower right display line will be forced to the turn coordinator display
4. A 175 degree right course reversal will be executed

After reversing course, the pilot may alter the direction of flight using the L - R switch or engaging the PCS mode.
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Automatic Trim Compensation

The EZ Pilot will automatically compensate for trim imbalance caused by fuel burn, moderate inaccurate trim settings, and the like. Top

Automatic Servo Disconnect on Takeoff

As a safety feature, during takeoff roll, the EZ Pilot checks the status of the servo. If the servo has inadvertently been turned on prior to takeoff, at 25 knots GPS groundspeed it will automatically disconnect the servo, allowing free movement of the ailerons. This is a backup feature only and should not be relied upon to replace a necessary preflight checklist item. This feature relies on a proper GPS signal being received and will not function properly if the GPS is not active and providing data to the autopilot.
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Excellent Turbulence Performance

The MEMS gyro that is employed in the EZ Pilot autopilot is very responsive to even the slightest movement. Because the gyro is mounted so that it can sense roll moment as well as yaw, it immediately responds to any un-commanded roll movements caused by turbulence. The inherent high sensitivity and fast response of the system results in excellent turbulence penetration. Top

Fully Configurable Data Windows

Most autopilots, even very expensive ones, are content to simply track a course. The EZ Pilot aspires to a higher calling. Two data "windows", the upper and lower right-hand display quadrants, can be used to present information present on the GPS data stream. Both can be configured to present any of the items listed in the "Selectable GPS Data Display" feature, above. However, the upper right-hand display position may also be used to present user-selected, GPS derived data. Many EZ Pilot users find that they don't look at their GPS receiver much after the flight plan has been entered. It's easier to read the information from the EZ Pilot display. Top

GPS Data Scan Function

If the DISPLAY button is momentarily pressed two times in quick succession (double-clicked) the variable field on the bottom right-hand side of the display will enter or exit the "Scan Mode". In this mode the waypoint designator, RNG, GS, XTK, TOP and ETE(e) fields are sequenced in the display at a 1.2 second rate. This can be useful for sequentially monitoring all the parameters put out by the GPS without having to manually select each parameter. Top

Compatible with Existing Navaid Servos

For many years a large number of experimental homebuilt planes have flown successfully and reliably using a Navaid autopilot. The EZ Pilot provides a servo output that is compatible with the Navaid servo, so those who have a properly operating Navaid servo installed can use it with the EZ Pilot control head, thus saving a considerable amount of money. A short jumper cable can be provided with the control head that will plug into the existing servo control harness. Top