I really prefer using the old vintage aircraft like the JU52 but when you’re on a long jaunt, especially on Vatsim, I really wish that there was a very basic heading and altitude hold function so that I can at least go off and make a cup of tea or go to the loo without pausing.
Otherwise, the other option that we have is the AI copilot but ‘he’ has a tendancy to start messing with the radio and unfortunately there’s no option to disconnect that function.
Does anyone know if there is a simple plugin or mod somewhere that adds this functionality?
Unfortunately I believe the aircraft.cfg is encrypted on commissioned (i.e., built by a Third Party for MS) aircraft, otherwise you could enable AP and even an FD by two simple lines. You’d just need to bind keys to them.
Well, the Ju-52 DOES have a built-in, fully functional heading hold gyropilot. That’s ALL it does, as it can only control the rudder in very small deflection. While you can change the heading bug and it will follow it, the turn radius is like 5 miles so this is only practical for en route turns of up to about 10^. For all others, you need to turn it off, make the turn yourself, adjust the heading bug once on the new course, and turn it on again.
As for altitude hold, there is none. HOWEVER, since the last update, the plane trims out so well you don’t need one, at least in relatively smooth air. But I’ve flown the Ju-52 all over even at 4x time warp and the altitude hasn’t changed enough to notice. And, of course, it’s held the heading, too.