I’m new to using autopilot in Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) and could use some guidance. I’ve downloaded a flight plan from WorldTour Flights (https://worldtour.flights/flightplans/627) and mainly fly the Cessna 172. However, I’m having trouble getting the autopilot to follow the flight path.
Here’s what’s been happening: When I engage the AI pilot, my plane flies straight ahead and doesn’t follow the intended path. I’ve also tried gaining altitude manually before engaging the autopilot, but it resulted in a crash.
I would greatly appreciate it if someone could provide a step-by-step guide on how to correctly set up autopilot for the Cessna 172 to follow a flight path.
First question, When you open the flight plan in the GNS530 (nav computer) in the C172, is the flight plan you entered in there. I have found that sometimes the flight plan will not transfer into the GNS530/430. You may have to enter it manually once in the aircraft.
Second. Make sure the GNS is set up for GPS navigation and not LOC. You can also see this on the annunciator panel (where your alarms are).
Hope this helps, if you are still having issues DM me.
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Hey!
Yeah, the flight plan is there, and NAV is set to GPS.
I swear I’ve spent like 5 hours and still can’t figure it out. Please help! Can you give me step by step? What am I supposed to do after loading in? Do I fly off myself to a certain altitude and then turn on AP and put Nav in GPS? But that doesn’t make the plane move to the flight path.
I don’t normally fly the C172, but I will take it out for a spin later today if I get a chance; if not tomorrow at the latest, and see what happens.
Also, which version are you using the G1000 (glass cockpit), the GNS530 (steam cockpit), or WBSim’s mod? It may make a difference.
Also, normally, in GA aircraft you fly to your planned altitude and manually make sure you are on track, and THEN activate the AP once you are settled, wings level, on course, and on speed.
You should see the NAV with ARMED next to it. The aircraft is STILL in HDG mode until it picks up the NAV course. You can steer towards the first waypoint using this mode.
Once the AP picks up the NAV, the armed and HDG will dissapear, and you will be flying in NAV mode. Note the omnidirectional gauge (GPS/ILS) is active in GPS mode. IF you are in VLOC, this gauge will be active only if in range of a VOR station.
Hope this quick step-by-step helps. If you need any further help, I suggest grabbing a manual online (they are free) for the GNS530/430.
Hello again! Thank you for taking the time to provide me with a detailed response, complete with screenshots! You’re the greatest. Everything works perfectly now. The only thing I’m having trouble with is getting it to follow the altitude automatically. I have to manually set it to, for example, 7000 feet, and then control the climb rate, even though the flight path should change the flight altitude. I tried using VNAV, but it doesn’t seem to be working as expected. Nevertheless, I’m super happy to have the ability to put the flight on autopilot.
Autopilots come in different qualities. The autopilot used in the C172 does not have a VNAV capable function. Dialing in the altitude with the knob and then commanding a vertical speed is the only way to do it, but note how there are rules of thumbs that you can google for knowing when to decent as you approach your airport.
Kudos to @Zeanuck for taking the time to help a fellow simmer out.
It’s a shame the AP can’t listen to the 530 since it already provides advisory VNAV information. Wonder if someone will upgrade the AP??
But at least the 530 VNAV advisory gives you the information to climb/dive before or after a point to a specified altitude to help in route planning.
Regards
Can you give me step by step? What am I supposed to do after loading in? Do I fly off myself to a certain altitude and then turn on AP and put Nav in GPS? But that doesn’t make the plane move to the flight path.
