DC-3 Instruments

[siemerh]

Where can I find an explanation of the use of the panel.  It seems to have some type of auto pilot but I can't figure it out.

[Jakemaster]

That would be the sperry.  TO be honest, I dont think anyone but a seasoned DC-3 pilot could work a sperry.

For the default DC-3, just use the default AP shortcuts: CTRL+H is for heading hold and CTRL+Z is altitude hold

[Brett_Henderson]

It's kinda fun to use it without short-cut keys..




A- On/Off  (self-explanatory)

B- Is like a directional gyro adjust. To be synched with the compass (in level flight just like the regular DG)(It will adjust itself if you hit "D" when you adjust the regular DG)

C- Is like the heading bug. You adjust it to the heading you want to fly (and then it turns to line up with the DG you adjust with knob B)

D- Is kinda like a vertical speed setting. You line up a target for the attitude indicator (built into the auto-pilot) to chase. I'm pretty sure that in FS, it's really just a vertical speed adjustment in disguise)

The other knob (bottom right) is like a "cage" for the artificial horizon. I've never found a use for it.

Anyway.. once you turn the AP on it will turn to line up the "heading bug" and will pitch for a vertical speed. Instead of selecting an altitude.. you just adjust for a vertical speed of zero, once you reach desired altitude.

[Nav]

Agree that it's fun to use it in the original form, B_H.

A few more points, siemerh:-

1. If you look in the Learning Centre under 'Douglas DC3 - Flight Notes,' there's a full explanation, with illustrations.

2. If you use 'Ctrl-Z' to hold an altitude, it will go ON holding until you turn off the whole autopilot. Awkward when you want to start your descent. Quickest way, if you're using the keys, is to press 'Z' and then 'Ctrl-H' to reset the heading hold.

3. Remember that the Sperry does not include any kind of Speed Hold; that still has to be done manually.

4. The real thing did not include an Instrument Landing System. But you can 'cheat' if you like by using the keys to engage ILS. I forget the key combination, look it up under 'Aircraft-Kneeboard-Keys').

5. 'D' in B_H's screenshot sets and holds a pitch angle. If you run the mouse over the knob it should show the angle you've set (something like '7 degrees up' is about the safe maximum). That knob is mysterious at first, I later found out that it takes four clicks to alter the setting by one degree). Best approach is to leave the throttles pretty well 'full' in the climb, then adjust the pitch angle as high as possible while maintaining safe flying speed (say 90 knots).

[Jakemaster]

Well sure its fun to use it right, but FS doesnt quited get it right and even though MAAM is closer its still not like the real sperry.  Its complicated

And Nav, even though the sperry is not capable of autothrottle, did you know that the first autothrotle was installed on a DC-3?  Flight Safety International first used their first autothrottle system on a DC-3 back in...well I can't remember the year anymore

[beaky]

It's really not very complicated... just very different from newer APs.
It holds pitch angle by auto-adjusting trim, working off the AP gyro,and uses rudder to keep the nose on the desired heading, working off the DG.

I have no trouble setting it with the mouse in VC mode.


It's really not meant for making changes while it's engaged; the idea is to set things up then use the Sperry to lock it in.
The RL manual says "trim for hands-off flight before engaging autopilot"...

I guess it seems complicated because it still requires quite a bit of hand-flying... but the DC-3 is a pretty docile hand-flyer if you think ahead a little and "expect delays" in response.

[siemerh]

Thanks guys.  Still not used to all the features in FS9.  Don't even know why it is called FS9.  Flew a few tail draggers and ultralights in real life and having been around during WWII always loved the C-47 so jumped at the chance to try one on the puter.
BTW:  Found the simulator harder to fly than the real ones cause you lose the feelings (like a stall) and no depth perception for landing.
Bud

[Jakemaster]

Its called FS9 because it is the 9th edition of Flight Simulator.  FSX is FS10 (X being the roman numeral for 10)

[Nav]

[quote]BTW:

[siemerh]

You want a real thrill, try stalling an ultralight with nothing around you but air.  They glide like a rock.

[Capt._Viper]

Been there, done that....

Cleared my pants!!