1. Cessna Aircraft
Differences Training
(Autopilots)

2. Objectives / Content Summarize key differences between:
KAP 140 Autopilot
Garmin GFC 700 Automatic Flight Control System

3. The information in this briefing is intended to serve as a departure point for discussion during CAP flight evaluations and transition training. It should not be interpreted or used as a substitute for the detailed information provided in the Airplane Flying Manual or Pilot’s Operating Handbook for each aircraft model.

4. Automatic Flight Control Systems
KAP 140
GFC 700
Two axis autopilot with pitch and roll
Pilot must use rudder for coordinated flight and throttle for power
(no yaw damper or auto throttles)
Rate-based (info from TC)
Attitude-based (info from AHRS)
Engaging AP engages VS & roll holds
Engaging AP engages pitch & roll holds
Vertical components include:
Vertical Speed Hold (VS)
Altitude Pre-select
Altitude Hold
Glide slope capture
Glide slope / glide path capture
Flight Level Change (FLC)
Vertical navigation (VNAV)
Go-Around Mode (GA)
Flight Director (can be used with or without the autopilot)
Control Wheel Steering (CWS)

5. Go-Around Differences
KAP 140 Actions & Expectations
GFC 700 Actions & Expectations
Press yoke AP disconnect.
Autopilot disconnects.
Climb, stay on final approach course.
Press OBS/SUSP when SUSP annunciated.
Press CDI to switch nav source to GPS.
Press go-around (GA) button by throttle.
Autopilot disconnects.
 GA/GA horizontal/vertical mode annunciated.
Straight-ahead guidance provided.
GPS automatically sequences to missed approach (un-SUSP).
CDI nav source automatically switches to GPS.
Note: Review your aircrafts POH, any differences the POH governs. Different software updates may also have differences

6. Failure Modes Failure of Effect on GFC 700 Effect on KAP 140
Other impacts
MFD
None
ROL, VS, ALT Modes only
NAV2/COM2 Lost
PFD
Loss of AP and FD
NAV1/COM1 Lost
AHRS
ROL Mode only
ADC
Loss of AP, FD functions in PIT Mode, all lateral modes of FD function
Loss of Alt Pre-Select and Alerts
A/S, Alt, VS, OAT lost
AHRS/ADC
Loss of AP and FD, MET available
LOC/GS still available
Magnetometer
Loss of HDG Mode, vertical modes still available, NAV modes available if engaged at time of failure, ROL available
Reverts to ROL Mode
Any Display
Respective NAV/COM, reversionary mode

7. Limitations G1000 Autopilot Failure Modes: GFC 700 Limitations
Must be disengaged: IFR - <200 AGL and VFR < 800 AGL
Autopilot maximum engagement speed – 165 KIAS
Autopilot minimum engagement speed – 70 KIAS
Electric trim maximum operating speed – 175 KIAS
Maximum fuel imbalance with the autopilot engaged – 90 pounds
C172
Must be disengaged: IFR - <200 AGL and VFR < 800 AGL
Autopilot maximum engagement speed KIAS
Autopilot minimum engagement speed - 70 KIAS
Electric trim maximum operating speed KIAS
Maximum fuel imbalance with autopilot engaged - 90 pounds
KAP 140 Limitations
Cessna T182T / 182T
(Reference the appropriate PIM for the complete list of limitations)
Maximum Airspeed KIAS
Minimum Airspeed - 80 KIAS
Recommended Approach Speed KIAS
Maximum Flap Extension - 10 deg
Cessna 172R/S
(Reference the appropriate PIM for the complete list of limitations)
Maximum Airspeed KIAS
Minimum Airspeed - 70 KIAS
Recommended Approach Speed - 80 KIAS
Maximum Flap Extension - 10 deg
Note: Review your aircraft’s POH for specific guidance. Be aware that software updates may introduce more differences.

8. KAP 140 Notes & Techniques
Note 1: the KAP 140 autopilot may act erratic or disengage when moving flaps while the autopilot is engaged.  Pilots should be aware of this and instructors should include this information in their instruction of KAP 140 use.
Note 2: The KAP 140 pitching tendency can be minimized by easing the flap handle slowly into position, rather than moving it quickly.  The KAP 140 pitching tendency can also be minimized by reducing the throttle a few inches after the flap handle was moved quickly to the detent; the power reduction compensates for the pitch up tendency that occurs when the flaps are lowered rapidly with the autopilot engaged.
KAP 140 autopilot techniques for moving flaps: 
Prior to flap movement, disengage the autopilot, set the flaps, and then re-engage the autopilot.
With one hand on the control yoke, ease the flap handle slowly into position, rather than quickly.