BENDIXKing KFC225 User manual

KFC225 Autopilot

FlightSim Developers KFC 225 Autopilot
Pilot Handbook
- 2 –
For use with Microsoft Flight Simulator only. Not to be used in real world aviation.
Version 1.5
Revised January 8, 2013
EULA
All rights reserved per the terms of the End User License Agreement at the end of this document.
Please take the time to review it.
Getting Started
This system utilizes advanced computer technology normally found only in high end ‘jet’ autopilots
into the cockpits of General Aviation Aircraft. It does this by utilizing a state of the art autopilot
computer combining the functions of computer, mode selector, altitude pre-selector, and the
optional yaw damper into one unit. It is strongly recommended that pilots acquaint themselves
with the features and controls described in this manual prior to using it in flight.
To take full advantage of the capabilities of this system it is important that the pilot understand its
capabilities and limitations. The pilot should take time to read and thoroughly understand both this
handbook, and the operating handbook that is specific to the aircraft. This handbook should be
used to gain additional insight into the operation of the system through the specific operating
scenarios.
System Requirements
•Microsoft Flight Simulator X
•Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 - 32 or 64 bit versions.
About This Manual
Keywords used throughout this manual are expressed in dark italics to distinguish them from the
surrounding text.
Keywords are usually defined in the terminology, and in this case, clicking on the keyword
will take you to the terminology definition.
Specific functions and important concepts may be underlined for quick reference.
You can link to the description of the concept or function by clicking on the underlined text.

FlightSim Developers KFC 225 Autopilot
Pilot Handbook
- 3 –
For use with Microsoft Flight Simulator only. Not to be used in real world aviation.
1. Basic Operation
The KFC 225 is a three-axis system that provides lateral, vertical and yaw modes with altitude
preselect. This diagram shows the components and their relationship in a typical KFC 225 system.
The actual components on individual aircraft will vary according to your specifications.
1.1 POWER APPLICATION AND PREFLIGHT TESTS
A preflight test is performed when power is supplied via the avionics master power switch. This test
is a sequence of internal checks that validate proper system operation prior to allowing autopilot
engagement. The preflight test (PFT) sequence is indicated by "PFT" with an increasing number for

FlightSim Developers KFC 225 Autopilot
Pilot Handbook
- 4 –
For use with Microsoft Flight Simulator only. Not to be used in real world aviation.
the sequence steps. Successful completion of self test is identified by all display segments being
illuminated.
1.2 CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS
Figure 1a
1. Yaw Damper Key
5. NAV Control Key
9. VS speed Down Key
13. Preselect Control
2. Autopilot Key
6. Approach Hold Key
10. VS Speed Up Key
14. Digital Display
3. Flight Director Key
7. Reverse Course Hold
11. ALT Alarm Arm Key
4. HDG Control Key
8. Altitude Hold Key
12. VS Display Key
Display Panel
Figure 1b
14a Lateral Ctrl. Data
14b Annunciators
14c Vertical Ctrl. Data
14d Altitude/VS Data

FlightSim Developers KFC 225 Autopilot
Pilot Handbook
- 5 –
For use with Microsoft Flight Simulator only. Not to be used in real world aviation.
1.2.0 TOGGLE RADIO STACK POPUP
In the upper left-hand corner of the unit, a small mouse hotspot can toggle
the radio stack popup panel on/off, for convenience.
1.2.1 AUTOPILOT MASTER
The position of the AP Master Key determines whether the autopilot is in Active Mode or
Standby Mode. In Standby Mode, selections can be made without the autopilot issuing
any instructions to servo or trim controls. When the AP Master is ON the autopilot is in
Active Mode, and servos/control tabs are actively set to achieve the desired roll and pitch.
1.2.2 FLIGHT DIRECTOR
Depress the Flight Director Key to toggle the Flight Director bars on your Automatic
Direction Indicator (ADI) on and off.
Important Note:
Not all Flight Simulator aircraft have Flight
Director capability. This is based on the
plane’s aircraft.cfg file.
In order for the Flight Director to work the
following entry must be present in the
[autopilot] section of the aircraft.cfg file:
flight_director_available=1
If this value is set to zero the Flight Director system will not be available in Flight Simulator! Note
that the Control Center tool can format this setting for you. See the Control Center Documentation
for more details.
Important!
The FD Key must be switched ON in order for
the KFC225 to operate in Fixed Trim Modes, as
described below.
1.2.3 SYSTEM OPERATING MODES
There are two basic modes of operation; Fixed Trim Modes and Servo Control Modes. The Roll and
Pitch axis operate independently, depending on the control selections outlined below.
AP Servo Annunciator - When the KFC225 is in Active Mode (AP Master ON) and in Servo
Control Modes this annunciator will illuminate, indicating that the unit is actively pursuing
the course and/or altitude selected.
Arm Indicator - When the KFC225 is actively pursuing its course, roll, or pitch, an ARM
indicator will annunciate on the Display Panel
. When the roll/course/pitch has been achieved, the ARM annunciator will extinguish.

FlightSim Developers KFC 225 Autopilot
Pilot Handbook
- 6 –
For use with Microsoft Flight Simulator only. Not to be used in real world aviation.
Note
The AP Servo Annunciator will illuminate if any of the Servo Control
Modes is active. For example, if the unit is in Roll Mode and Altitude
Preselect Mode, and the AP Master Key is ON, this annunciator will
illuminate, but the servo for altitude hold will be the only one active.
The Roll Axis is still being controlled in Roll Mode (fixed roll trim).
1.3 CONTROL AXIS
The KFC225 is a three-axis control Flight Director System, providing Pitch Axis, Roll Axis and Yaw
Damper Axis operation.
1.3.1 YAW DAMPER AXIS
Yaw Damper Key. Depress this key to change the present setting. When the key is
illuminated, the mode is active. The yaw damper is independent of autopilot operation.
It is a device designed to reduce the rolling and yawing oscillations due to Dutch Roll. It
requires the installation of yaw rate sensors in the aircraft. The microprocessor in the
KFC225 provides a signal to an actuator connected to the rudder, providing a more
comfortable flight.
Important Note:
Not all Flight Simulator aircraft have yaw
damper sensors installed. This is based on the
plane’s aircraft.cfg file.
In order for the yaw damper to function the
following entry must be present in the
[autopilot] section of the aircraft.cfg file:
yaw_damper_gain = 1.0
If this value is set to zero the yaw damper
system will not work in Flight Simulator!
If this value is set to zero the Yaw Damper system will not be available in Flight Simulator! Note
that the Control Center tool can format this setting for you. See the Control Center Documentation
for more details.

FlightSim Developers KFC 225 Autopilot
Pilot Handbook
- 7 –
For use with Microsoft Flight Simulator only. Not to be used in real world aviation.
1.3.2 ROLL AXIS
Figure 1c
Course Mode utilizes the aircraft's HSI or Gyro inputs and/or navigation radios to provide reference
inputs that determine the desired course. The microprocessor in the KFC225 commands the control
servos for aileron and rudder trim to maintain this course. Roll Mode allows pilot selection of a fixed
roll value. The aircraft maintains that roll until the setting is changed or the mode is switched OFF.
1.3.2.1 ROLL MODE
To engage Roll Mode:
Cycle the AP Master OFF (Fig. 1a #2)
Check to ensure that the FD Button is ON (Fig. 1a #3)
All other mode keys should be OFF. The display will annunciate ROL and PIT, as illustrated below.
Press the center of the Preselector Knob. The selector will change to Roll Select Mode
and the Roll Display will turn green.

FlightSim Developers KFC 225 Autopilot
Pilot Handbook
- 8 –
For use with Microsoft Flight Simulator only. Not to be used in real world aviation.
Turn the Selector Knob clockwise or counter-clockwise to increase or decrease the
selected roll value, in degrees. The selector and display will revert back to normal
mode after 5 seconds.
The chevron below the ROL display indicates a port or starboard roll.
Press the AP Master Key to engage Active Mode.
Once engaged in Active Mode
the ARM indicator will
annunciate on the Display Panel
.
The aircraft will maintain a
constant roll at the selected
value until the setting is
changed, or Roll Mode is
discontinued.
To discontinue Roll Mode, simply turn the AP
Master OFF, to go into Standby Mode, or engage
any of the Roll Axis Function Keys (HDG, NAV,
APR or REV), to change the Roll Axis to Servo
Control Modes.
Note
In order to operate in Roll Mode, the
Flight Director Key must be engaged.

FlightSim Developers KFC 225 Autopilot
Pilot Handbook
- 9 –
For use with Microsoft Flight Simulator only. Not to be used in real world aviation.
1.3.2.2 COURSE MODE
In this section:
1. Heading Hold Function
2. NAV Hold Function
3. Approach Hold Function
4. Reverse (Backcourse) Function
Course Mode is a servo controlled operating mode. Operating in this mode entails selecting one of
the Roll Axis Function Keys (HDG, NAV, APR, REV).
Course Mode engages the unit's microprocessor and control servos, to provide precise control and
maintain a specific course.
The Flight Director (FD) key can be ON or OFF while operating in this mode, and
toggles the attitude indicator/PFD flight director bars ON/OFF.
The AP Master Key must be pushed ON in order for the unit to be in Active Mode and
engage the control servos.
1.3.1.3 COURSE MODE FUNCTIONS
Heading Hold Function
Depress the HDG Key to toggle the Heading mode on/off. When the mode is engaged
the key will illuminate.
This system commands the airplane to turn to and maintain
the heading selected by the heading bug on the HSI/Gyro
control. A new heading may be selected at any time and will
result in the airplane turning to the new heading.

FlightSim Developers KFC 225 Autopilot
Pilot Handbook
- 10 –
For use with Microsoft Flight Simulator only. Not to be used in real world aviation.
The display will annunciate HDG
and the AP Servo Annunciator
will illuminate when the unit is in
Active Mode.
The aircraft will hold this course as long as:
•The HSI/Gyro HDG Bug is not changed.
•The unit is still in Heading Hold Function.
•The AP Master Key is on and the unit is in Active Mode.
•Heading Hold Function is not overridden by the .
•No Error! Reference source not found.exists.
NAV Hold Function
Depress the NAV Key to toggle this mode on/off. When the
system is engaged, the key will illuminate. This function is
one of three that receives its input data from the NAV 1
Radio. This function is designed to follow the radial,
selected on the HSI/Gyro Omnibearing Selector (OBS).
The NAV Hold Function is
available if a signal is tuned
in on the NAV 1 radio.
The display will annunciate
NAV when the NAV Key is
depressed.
If a NAV 1 signal is not being
received, the NAV
annunciator on the panel will
flash, indicating that no NAV
Function is possible until such
time as a signal is being
received.
When the NAV Hold Function is
engaged, if the selected CDI
Indicator is less than 50% deflected
when armed, the system will
automatically capture.
The mode provides automatic beam capture and tracking of VOR, LOC or GPS as selected.