roostnureye 2 #1 April 9, 2014 Just wondering how many jump pilots use autopilot for jumping operations... Also want to know if autopilot is used for descending as well as climbing? Thanks guysFlock University FWC / ZFlock B.A.S.E. 1580 Aussie BASE 121 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
twatterpilot 0 #2 April 9, 2014 20 years flying jumpers, never used an autopilot. Never would.Airline Transport Pilot, Multi-Engine Land, DHC-8 Commercial Multi-Engine Sea, Single Engine Land Private Glider Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 3 #3 April 9, 2014 I've never known of any of our jump pilots to fly with Otto engaged."I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roostnureye 2 #4 April 9, 2014 Thanks guys, please keep chiming in! I had a strange weekend.....Flock University FWC / ZFlock B.A.S.E. 1580 Aussie BASE 121 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #5 April 10, 2014 roostnureyeJust wondering how many jump pilots use autopilot for jumping operations... Also want to know if autopilot is used for descending as well as climbing? Thanks guys I know one plane, which has one and it's in use. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 3 #6 April 10, 2014 A G1000 Caravan jump plane? I'd love to fly that!"I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #7 April 10, 2014 theonlyskiA G1000 Caravan jump plane? I'd love to fly that! Quite boring. Flying only take-off, jump-run and landing. I saw the pilot trim for climb and play only with setting heading on auto... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 3 #8 April 10, 2014 phoenixlpr***A G1000 Caravan jump plane? I'd love to fly that! Quite boring. Flying only take-off, jump-run and landing. I saw the pilot trim for climb and play only with setting heading on auto... I didn't say I'd use the autopilot. Just looks like a sweet plane to fly."I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 598 #9 April 14, 2014 Most jump-planes had auto-pilots installed when they were manufactured. However, by the time they have deteriorated enough that DZs can afford them, the de-icing boots have worn out (more patches than a CReW canopy), the cabin has too many cracks to pressurize, the heater does not heat anymore, the weather radar is mono-chromatic (meaning that it does not tell you anything), half the instruments on the co-pilot's side are no longer accurate, the windows are crazed, the upholstery was ripped out a long time ago (to make room for cargo),the radios are older than the pilot, the auto-pilot can barely hold heading on a calm day,... In short, when you buy a 1960s vintage King Air, you are buying the instrument panel and the time remaining on the engines ... they throw in the airframe for free! Hee! He! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeWeber 2,561 #10 April 14, 2014 Rob, You know me and you know that is not a universal truth. We need to quit accepting that is the way things are and that things will never change. J. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 598 #11 April 14, 2014 JoeWeberRob, You know me and you know that is not a universal truth. We need to quit accepting that is the way things are and that things will never change. J. ............................................................................... Now I vote with my dollars. I never jumped from a Cessna 190. I never jumped from a Lodestar. I will never jump from another King Air (re. 2008 August 3). I will never jump from another Beech 18 (re. 2002 Labour Day). Slowly, the oldest and most decrepit airplanes are being retired from the skydiving fleet. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beerlight 0 #12 April 15, 2014 Doesn't M. Mullins use one on his King Air? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtiflyer 0 #13 April 15, 2014 One of SDCs Caravans has auto-pilot and its de-icing. It was previously a FedEx plane. And yes I have seen it in use. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #14 April 15, 2014 JoeWeberRob, You know me and you know that is not a universal truth. We need to quit accepting that is the way things are and that things will never change. J. For the win! :-)---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
