Can AP be engaged when sidestick or pedals out of neutral position on Airbus?

[YaYoSky]

I know that overriding the sidestick or rudder pedals when AP engaged could cause AP disconnection. But if the sidestick or rudder pedals already deflects without AP engagement, the AP can be engaged by pushing the AP button on FCU? If so, how long will AP really control the A/C to mitigate the transient?

thx:O

[aguadalte]

Yes. In the FBW Airbus aircraft you can engage the AP with sidestick or pedals out of the neutral position, as long as you "let the controls" come back to neutral. The AP will take-over almost immediately but will fly either to the selected course of action active on the FCU or (if FD's are off) it will revert to basic mode HDG/VS.

[YaYoSky]

Quote:
Yes. In the FBW Airbus aircraft you can engage the AP with sidestick or pedals out of the neutral position, as long as you "let the controls" come back to neutral.
aguadalte, thank you.
Do you mean that AP can be engaged but not control the A/C with controls out of neutral position and the AP will be actually work after the controls back to neutral?

[lion-g]

Hi,

It depends really. If the contols are out of the required envelope, the AP will engage BUT it will actually trip after a few secs. Happened a few times in a simulator, when we were out of trim on eng out approaches and go-arounds.

For us, the cue is waiting for the "click" to see if the AP has taken over control fully. The "click" is actually the locking device used to lokc the sidestick in position.

Hope this helps,

Cheers,
lion-g

[EW73]

Now I'm confused..as a non AB person...

With the AB, are you not flying with the autopilot ALL the time...it's simply a matter of manual (sidestick) electronic input, or else fully automated control, with something resembling VNAV and LNAV directing progress.

cheers

[I-2021]

Hi,

You can be flying either manually or with the AP on. It is exactly like in other airplanes. And like in other airplanes, before inserting the autopilot you must have a well trimmed airplane, like in case of an engine failure during takeoff. Just as in a twin cessna you keep control of the airplane, give correct trim input and then insert the autopilot which will continue to do your job, but it is not your substitute.

Bye