Description of the issue:
Executive summary: Many (all?) Black Square aircraft (Dukes, Caravan Pro, Baron/Bonanza Pro, Starship), the Milviz/Blackbird C310a, and perhaps other aircraft have an issue where when tracking a VOR, the autopilot spontaneously changes from NAV mode to ROL mode at intervals ranging from 30 seconds to several minutes. This occurs independently of the distance from the VOR, including within a few miles. I can hit NAV to get back on track, but it still reverts to ROL mode eventually. I believe I’ve also seen this when tracking an ILS. (Note that the Duke reverts to HDG mode, as it does not have a ROL mode.)
Other Factoids:
-This occurs whether using just old-school avionics, or the TDS GTNXi when in VLOC mode.
-GPS Mode is not affected, only VOR.
-KEY ITEM: Most interestingly, myself and others who have reported this in other posts all have either SPAD.Next, FSUIPC, or other third-party control mapping software running. If I don’t use SPAD in a flight and simply use my mouse to control the autopilot and everything else, this behavior does not occur. Furthermore, one user who reports this doesn’t have any control mappings whatsoever, and only uses FSUIPC to connect their Virtual Airline client to the sim.
-I originally thought it was specifically Black Square aircraft, but it’s also observed in the Blackbird C310. I might try some other planes like the C414 to further repro.
Template answers below, but the above pretty much explains it all.
I’ll tag affected users and reference various threads here an in the JustFlight BKSQ Forum in a child post.
FREQUENCY OF ISSUE
How often does this occur for you: Every flight with the repro steps below.
REPRODUCTION STEPS
Please list clear steps you took in order to help our test team reproduce the same issue:
- Prior to starting the flight, launch FSUIPC or SPAD.NExt (or maybe Axes and Ohs).
- Start flight in the BKSQ aircraft listed above or BB C310, and track any VOR in autopilot NAV mode. I’ve tested on a flight from PAKT to PAWG using the Level Island VOR (116.5), but have reproduced this in other US areas like SoCal.
- Keep flying, and watch for the autopilot to change from NAV to ROL (or HDG in the Duke).
- Reengage NAV, and it still will change back to ROL/HDG eventually.
YOUR SETTINGS
If the issue still occurs with no mods and add-ons, please continue to report your issue. If not, please move this post to the User Support Hub.
What peripherals are you using, if relevant:
[PC Only] Are you using Developer Mode or have you made any changes to it? NO
[PC, MSFS 2020 Only] Are you using DX11 or DX12? DX12
[PC Only] What GPU (Graphics Card) do you use?
[PC Only] What other relevant PC specs can you share?
MEDIA
Please add a screenshot or video of the issue occurring.
Will eventually create a YT video to demo.