Dynon AF-6000 Series Quick start guide

SkyView SE,SkyView Classic,
SkyView Touch, SkyView HDX
AF-5000 Touch Displays (OS:5),
AF-6000 Series
Autopilot In-Flight Tuning Guide
For Skyview Software Version 16.4
and AFS Software Version Vx16.10
102064-000
Revision D
9/8/2022
Copyright © 2022 by Dynon Avionics, Inc.
Dynon Avionics grants third parties' permission to print this document

Contact Information
Dynon Avionics, Inc.
19825 141st Place NE
Woodinville, WA 98072
Technical Support
Phone: [phone], 8:00 AM –5:00 PM (Pacific Time) Monday –Friday
Email: [email protected]
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Email: sal[email protected]
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Copyright
©2022 Dynon Avionics, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, transmitted, disseminated, or stored in any
storage medium, for any purpose without the express written permission of Dynon Avionics. Dynon Avionics hereby grants permission to
download a single copy of this manual and of any revision to this manual onto a hard drive or other electronic storage medium to be viewed for
personal use, provided that such electronic or printed copy of this manual or revision must contain the complete text of this copyright notice and
provided further that any unauthorized commercial distribution of this manual or any revision hereto is strictly prohibited.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Dynon Avionics reserves the right to change or improve its products and to
make changes in the content without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes. Visit the Dynon Avionics website
(dynon.com) for current updates and supplemental information concerning the use and operation of this and other Dynon Avionics products.

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Autopilot In-Flight Tuning Guide
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Revision History
REV
DATE
APPROVED
DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE
A
6/1/2013
LED
Initial release
B
3/1/2014
LED
Updated for SV v10.0.
•Added BANK ANGLE LIMIT
•Mention of SV-AP-PANEL only active in EXPERT mode
C
12/1/2016
ECO 246525
•Changed default value of VSI Gain
D
9/8/2022
ECO 380245
Reformatted document.
•Updated flow charts.
•Added tables with default values, and variable description.
•Created new step-by-step procedures for autopilot tuning methods.
•Added yaw damper information.
•Updated Section 2 to add additional detail and update criteria for
autopilot testing performed prior to in-flight tuning.
•Added flight director check for heading mode
•Updated VOR intercept distance
Updated for SV v16.4.
•Added lost motion compensation instructions
•Added AFS-specific parameters

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Autopilot In-Flight Tuning Guide
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Table of Contents
1Introduction ..................................................................................................4
1.1 Using this Manual.........................................................................................................4
1.2 Document Iconography ................................................................................................4
1.3 Reference Documents..................................................................................................4
1.4 Glossary.......................................................................................................................4
2Important Steps Prior to In-Flight Tuning.................................................5
2.1 Servo Calibration..........................................................................................................5
2.2 Auto-Trim Calibration ...................................................................................................5
2.3 Servo to Flight Control Coupling Check........................................................................5
2.4 Autopilot Disconnect Test.............................................................................................6
2.5 Magnetometer Calibration............................................................................................6
2.6 ADAHRS Zero-Pressure Calibration.............................................................................6
2.7 Broken Shear Screw Test ............................................................................................6
3Roll Axis Tuning...........................................................................................7
3.1 Tuning Procedures.......................................................................................................7
3.2 Roll Axis Parameters..................................................................................................11
4Pitch Axis Tuning.......................................................................................12
4.1 Tuning Procedures.....................................................................................................12
4.2 Pitch Axis Parameters................................................................................................16
5Yaw Damper Tuning ..................................................................................17
5.1 Tuning Procedures.....................................................................................................17
5.2 Yaw Damper Parameters...........................................................................................19
6Lost Motion Compensation ......................................................................20
6.1 Tuning Procedures.....................................................................................................20

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Autopilot In-Flight Tuning Guide
For Skyview Software Version 16.4and AFS Software Version
Vx16.10
1 Introduction
This document is a supplemental reference to the Skyview System Installation Guide document.
1.1 Using this Manual
To reduce paper, Dynon does not provide a printed version of this manual. However, Dynon
grants permission to third parties to print this manual, as necessary. The most recent PDF
version is available for download at dynon.com/docs. This manual is updated periodically, and
it is important to use the most recent version when installing SkyView components.
Dynon suggests keeping a PDF version of the manual on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop
computer while installing and configuring SkyView. Using the manual electronically allows quick
navigation of the document, figures to be viewed in color, and keyword searches.
1.2 Document Iconography
The following icons are used in this guide:
This icon denotes information that merits special attention.
This icon denotes a helpful tip.
1.3 Reference Documents
The following documents support the information in this document:
•SkyView System Installation Guide
1.4 Glossary
AFS Advanced Flight Systems
AP Autopilot
FD Flight Director
ILS Instrument Landing System
KIAS Knots Indicated Airspeed
LPV Localizer Performance VNAV
MSL Mean Sea Level
GPS Global Positioning System
NAV Navigation
VOR Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range
VNAV Vertical Navigation

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2 Important Steps Prior to In-Flight Tuning
It is essential for good autopilot performance to ensure the autopilot servos are properly installed
and correctly connected to the aircraft's flight control systems. Poor installation, or incorrect
connection may result in poor performance or safety hazards. Ensure the servos are installed in
accordance with the instructions in the system installation manual. Additionally, the following
steps will help verify the autopilot is mechanically suitable for in-flight tuning.
2.1 Servo Calibration
Prior to any in-flight testing, ensure that the autopilot servos have been properly calibrated. See
the Skyview System Installation Guide document for further information.
2.2 Auto-Trim Calibration
If the aircraft is equipped with electric trim, ensure that the trim system has been properly
calibrated and configured before in-flight tuning. See the Skyview System Installation Guide
document for further information.
2.3 Servo to Flight Control Coupling Check
With the aircraft parked on level ground, and the engine off:
1. Center flight controls
2. Synchronize HDG and ALT bugs to present heading and altitude
3. Engage autopilot in HDG and ALT mode
•Observe autopilot hold the controls stationary.
4. Have assistant manually apply simulated air loads to the flight control surfaces
•Observe servos resist the simulated air loads,
•Flight control surfaces should move very little before servo slips.
If the controls surfaces have significant movement when the simulated air loads are applied
check that the servo mounting bracket is not exhibiting any deflection/bending. Ensure all
interconnect hardware (such as bridal cables or pushrods) are tight and tensioned appropriately.
Any significant sources of slop in the mechanical system between the autopilot servo and the
flight control surface will cause degraded autopilot performance and makes precise autopilot
tuning ineffectual. Acceptable slop values vary depending on aircraft make and model.
Nominally, ±2.5 degrees for ailerons and ±4 degrees for elevator and rudder before servo
slipping is considered acceptable in general cases. If slop cannot be reduced with adjustment of
the flight control system adjust the Lost Motion Compensation setting for the affected axis using
the instructions in Section 6.

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2.4 Autopilot Disconnect Test
Prior totesting of the autopilot ensure that theautopilot quick-disconnect button is fullyfunctional.
With the aircraft parked on the ground, and the engine off:
1. Center the flight controls.
2. Engage the autopilot in any mode.
•Observe the autopilot servos resist movement of the flight controls.
3. Press the autopilot disconnect button.
•Observe the autopilot servos no longer resist movement of the flight controls.
2.5 Magnetometer Calibration
Prior to testing of the autopilot ensure that both a ground and in-flight magnetometer calibration
are complete. See the Skyview System Installation Guide document for instructions. Failure to
precisely calibrate the magnetometer will affect the performance of the HSI, which provides
critical heading information to the autopilot. Erroneous heading information will cause degraded
autopilot performance and makes precise autopilot tuning ineffectual.
2.6 ADAHRS Zero-Pressure Calibration
Prior to testing of the autopilot, ensure that a successful zero-pressure calibration has been
completed. Failure to complete this test may reduce accuracy of the pitot static instruments
which provide critical air data to the autopilot. Erroneous air data will cause degraded autopilot
performance and makes precise autopilot tuning ineffectual.
2.7 Broken Shear Screw Test
Every Dynon autopilot servo contains a shear screw to mechanically limit the force the servo
can provide. In the event this screw fails the affected axis will not function. To test for a broken
shear screw:
1. Engage the autopilot in HDG and ALT mode.
2. Slowly apply pressure to each flight control until the servos slip.
3. Observe a distinct slip in the flight control. If no distinct slip is felt:
•The shear screw may be broken,
•Inspect the affected servo.

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3 Roll Axis Tuning
The roll axis should be tuned prior to tuning or engaging any other axis. Ensure all pre-flight
items from Section 2 have been completed. Failure to complete pre-flight will prevent successful
autopilot tuning.
3.1 Tuning Procedures
The following procedures should be conducted:
•in smooth air,
•with yaw damper disengaged,
•with autopilot set to expert mode.
3.1.1 Heading Mode
With the aircraft in trimmed, level flight:
1. Set all tuning parameters to default settings.
2. Align heading bug with present heading.
3. Engage autopilot in HDG mode.
•Ensure yaw servo is not engaged (if installed).
•Ensure pitch servo is not engaged (if installed).
4. Operate the aircraft at low speed (approximately 10 knots above the autopilot minimum
airspeed)
5. Adjust LOW SPEED ROLL SENSITIVITY to achieve acceptable flight director tracking during
heading changes.
•If aircraft lags behind the flight director bars, increase ROLL SENSITIVITY.
•If ailerons oscillate or move too abruptly, reduce ROLL SENSITIVITY.
6. Operate the aircraft at approximately 10 knots below the autopilot maximum airspeed.
7. Adjust HIGH SPEED ROLL SENSITIVITY to achieve acceptable flight director tracking.
•If aircraft lags behind flight director bars, increase ROLL SENSITIVITY.
•If ailerons oscillate or move too abruptly, reduce ROLL SENSITIVITY.
8. Operate the aircraft at regular cruising speed.
9. Adjust ROLL GAIN to achieve desired roll aggressiveness using 90 degree heading changes.
•If aircraft rolls wings-level too late during heading intercept, increase ROLL GAIN.
•If aircraft rolls wings-level too early during heading intercept, decrease ROLL GAIN.
•If aircraft begins turn too aggressively, decrease ROLL GAIN.
•If aircraft begins turn too slowly, increase ROLL GAIN.
10. If acceptable performance is not achieved, see troubleshooting steps in Section 3.1.5.

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3.1.2 Track Mode
Autopilot performance in TRK mode is dependent on performance in HDG mode and GPS signal
integrity. If autopilot is properly tuned in HDG mode, no changes should be necessary to achieve
acceptable TRK mode performance. There are no settings available to the user that affect only
track mode performance. If acceptable performance is not achieved see troubleshooting steps
in Section 3.1.5.
3.1.3 VOR/LOC Navigation Mode
Autopilot performance in VOR or LOC navigation mode is dependent on performance in HDG
mode and navigation signal integrity. Any changes to HDG mode tuning will affect performance
in VOR or LOC navigation mode. To allow for best performance, tune the autopilot for VOR and
LOC performance in calm winds. Crosswind correction is applied automatically during normal
operation. Ensure default CDI GAIN and CDI DOT GAIN settings are loaded prior to
commencing tuning. The following steps can be used to tune the response when tracking VOR
or Localizer signals:
1. Position the aircraft approximately 10-15 minutes (at present groundspeed) from a VOR station.
2. Orient the aircraft to intercept a VOR course at approximately 45 degrees as shown below.
3. Adjust CDI GAIN to achieve good VOR intercept performance.
•If aircraft overshoots course during intercept, decrease CDI GAIN.
•If aircraft undershoots course during intercept, increase CDI GAIN.
•If aircraft wanders off course after intercept, increase CDI GAIN.
4. Adjust CDI DOT GAIN to achieve good VOR tracking performance.
•If aircraft oscillates while tracking course, increase CDI DOT GAIN.
•If aircraft is too slow to adjust for tracking errors, reduce CDI DOT GAIN.
10-15 minutes
Note: Avoid
Crosswinds

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3.1.4 GPS/GPSS/LNAV/LPV Navigation Mode
Autopilot performance in GPS/GPSS/LNAV/LPV navigation modes is dependent on
performance in HDG mode and navigation signal integrity. Any changes to HDG mode tuning
will affect performance in GPS/GPSS/LPV navigation mode. To allow for optimal tuning
performance, tune the autopilot for GPS/GPSS/LNAV/LPV performance in calm winds.
Crosswind correction is applied automatically during normal operation. Ensure default XTE GAIN
and XTE DOT GAIN settings are loaded prior to commencing tuning. The following steps can be
used to tune the response when tracking GPS-based signals:
1. Position the aircraft 5 to 10 miles from runway.
2. Orient the aircraft to intercept approach course at approximately 45 degrees as shown below.
3. Adjust XTE GAIN to achieve good intercept performance.
•If aircraft overshoots course during intercept, decrease XTE GAIN.
•If aircraft undershoots course during intercept, increase XTE GAIN.
•If aircraft wanders off course after intercept, increase XTE GAIN.
4. Adjust XTE DOT GAIN to achieve good tracking performance.
•If aircraft oscillates while tracking course, increase XTE DOT GAIN.
•If aircraft is too slow to adjust for tracking errors, reduce XTE DOT GAIN.
5-10 nm
Note: Avoid
Crosswinds