Trio Avionics Pro Pilot - Manual (Page 26)

Trio Pro Pilot Manual 3.8
26
NOTE: The INT mode cannot be entered if the XTK error is less than the computed intercept distance
(IDS) from the desired track line (usually about ½ mile depending upon speed). This variable
distance is computed as a function of the intercept angle and groundspeed. The automatic
switch from the INT to TRK mode occurs at this distance to allow a smooth intercept.
If the XTK
is greater than the computed distance, then the INT mode can be entered.
The automatic transition from the INT mode to the TRK mode is a function of the XTK (crosstrack error)
magnitude, which is an index of the difference between the original courseline and the position offset
from the courseline.
The INT mode automatically establishes an approximate 25 degree intercept angle (factory default
setting) toward the courseline (DTK). The commanded intercept course can be adjusted in the same
manner as in the CRS mode using the rotary encoder switch or the pilot controlled steering (PCS) mode.
The INT mode is automatically canceled and the TRK mode is entered when the aircraft crosses the
intercept boundary line
.
The unit will automatically sequence from INT to TRK if the track error magnitude is below approximately
0.5 miles (intercept distance increases with speed). The precise switching distance is displayed as IDS
(intercept distance) on the upper right data field when the INT mode is selected. The INT function is not
available if the crosstrack error is below this variable limit or the aircraft is on the ground.
NOTE: If roll servo (H NAV button) is turned on (cycled) while in the INT mode, the current track over he
ground is automatically entered as the commanded intercept angle.
Forcing a Track Offset Position (TOP)
With the advent of highly accurate GPS navigation and couOLED autopilots, aircraft are tracking more
and more closely to the airway centerlines on designated airways (the Pro Pilot can easily hold the
course centerline within 50 to 100 feet in smooth air). This creates the real possibility of overtaking or
head-on encounters with other aircraft that are also tracking the airway centerline, especially during climb
and descent when normal altitude separation is not in effect.
To help avoid such encounters, the Pro Pilot incorporates a safety feature heretofore found only in high
end navigation systems – Track Offset Position (TOP).
Track Offset Position allows the pilot to fly a ground track which is offset by up to three miles from the
centerline between the waypoints (desired track, or DTK).
To enable the TOP function, do the following:
In the TRK mode (only) press and rotate the ROTARY ENCODER switch counterclockwise or
clockwise to select the offset distance to track, (either to the left or the right of the DTK
centerline). The arrow indicator denotes the direction of the offset and the numeric field
indicates the offset selected (measured in miles and tenths of a mile). Changes to the offset
may be made in 1/10
th
mile increments up to 3 miles.
To disable the TOP function, do one of the following:
In the TRK mode (only) press and rotate the ROTARY ENCODER switch counterclockwise or
clockwise to change the offset distance to 0.0, or by changing modes, or by simply cycling power
to the Pro Pilot using the POWER switch.
When activated, the arrow on the XTK changes from an
outline arrow (
> ) to a fully filled arrow (

).