Flight Director - Does pitch work?

[ryanbatc]

Do the pitch modes work with the FD only? I guess I'm asking if the up and down rocker switch should affect the FD bar? It seems to work when the AP servo is connected but otherwise it doesn't.

v35_pitchFD by ryan b, on Flickr

[joediamond]

Use the CWS button to sync the flight director bars to your current pitch attitude.

[some1 - A2A]

Yes, it works the same. But in the situation on the picture you have alt hold engaged, so the rocker switch won't have big effect.

[ryanbatc]

Yes, it works the same. But in the situation on the picture you have alt hold engaged, so the rocker switch won't have big effect.

I just turned it on in hopes it would target the 4000 altitude I have armed... I tried with it off and the bar wouldn't move up and down.

I guess I'll have to try that CWS button.

[cristi.neagu]

From memory, to use the autopilot to climb in this plane, you dial in the altitude you want, press the ARM button, then you use CWS to set the pitch (making sure you're not in ALT mode), and the autopilot should hold that pitch until it gets to the desired altitude, where it levels off into ALT mode. But keep an eye on the speed. Pitch mode can get you into a stall.

[some1 - A2A]

Yes, it works the same. But in the situation on the picture you have alt hold engaged, so the rocker switch won't have big effect.

I just turned it on in hopes it would target the 4000 altitude I have armed...

Nope, that will command it to target the altitude you were at the moment you pressed the ALT button. Not a very good idea in the climb.
In such case whatever is set in the alt preselector becomes irrelevant.