Approaches with GNS 530W and a KFC 200 autopilot

[Ron Kodimer]

Either there is something wrong with my KFC 200 autopilot or I don't know what I'm doing.

What is the correct procedure for flying an LPV or LNAV/VNAV approach with the 530 and KFC 200?

[Jay Proops]

To capture the pseudo glide slope, do not enter the approach mode on the KFC200 until you are on a 45degree angle with the final approach course and prior to crossing the final approach fix. If you do it this way, you will get the glide slope. Jay Proops

[John Powers]

Ron,

For GPSS steering en route, I assume that you have GPSS selected on a GPSS/HDG switch and heading selected on the KFC200.  To get vertical guidance on an RNAV/GPS approach,select Approach inbound to the final approach fix (best from below the glide path). You no longer have GPSS but you have lateral GPS guidance and the autopilot is enabled to capture the glide path, assuming vertical guidance is available.  GPSS gets to the autopilot only through the autopilot Heading function.  Give this a try.  If it does not work, you may want to have the avionics installation checked by a good avionics shop.

John Powers

[Patrick Bowler]

Ron - I have a nice approach checklist for ILS and RNAV approaches using the 530 and 150 - the 200 is the same.  I'm new to this forum and can't see how to attach the file...  Let me know or email me for a copy.  patrick@aeropartners.com

[Art Myers]

Would this be the same with the 430W?

[Neil Archer]

The best info on this issue is from John Collins.  It was in the ABS mag March of 08.  It is very informative.

Neil Archer  ABS21206

[Alan Creighton]

HI Ron,

I flew one yesterday here's what I recall.  I flew the RNAV (GPS) RWY 18 into KBHM (Birmingham) in a Beech Baron equipped with G500, 430WAAS and KFC 200.  I believe the procedure would be the same for the 530W.

 

We were cleared to the IAF "ALEPE".  After crossing the fix, still in GPSS mode with heading and altitude on in the KFC, I threw in one round of flaps.  The GPSS made the 90 degree turn at "COUG" and during the turn I pressed "approach" on the KFC 200.  The plate above read "coupled" and manually pressed the altitude off and the down button to leave 3,500 for 2,600 and leveled off again.  I saw the GS come in on the G500 and once it read one dot above, I threw in the gear and pressed Glideslope on the KFC 200.  Not sure exactly when that happened but it was before "BASKIN" and I think near "BIDPE". The KFC captured the glideslope and "GS" came on in the KFC.  Although this was only a "LNAV" and not an LPV or LNAV/VNAV, it gave me vertical guidance all the way in.  I think had I let it, the KFC with 430W would have put the plane on the Runway.

[Alan Creighton]

One correction to my post, which was not pressing the glideslope, since it was in approach mode, but just watching it capture and "GS" came on in the dash.  

[James Grote]

appropriate approach activated

GPS  mode RSS

KFC 200 - heading and altitude seleted

after turning to final inbound course and below glide slope select approach (and altitude if not already selected)

[John Torrance]

   That,s pretty confusing for an old geezer who always did it the old way.  I,ll stick to steam gages.

jt

[Michael Caponnetto]

Patrick, I just had installed a GNS 530W with a DAC GDC 31 to compliment my KFC 200.  I am going through some growing pains and if your check list can help spike the learning curve I would like to get a copy.  You can reach me at michael@apces.com or call 310-708-1090. Thanks for your help in advance.  Michael Caponnetto