The DC-3 and AirTrack

[PWJT8D]

For anyone that is interested in turning their DC-3 into a modern day route flyer, I can confirm that this can be done via AirTrack. Being that the DC-3 doesn't have a default Garmin or FMC, as well as a lack of a NAV Source selector, I guess I never thought to try it. I suppose the reason is I have never really indulged into using AirTracks MCP functions. Turns out, the MCP within AirTrack has all the functions you need to piggy back it to the DC-3.

You can use it's SRC function (NAV1 NAV2 FMC,) FD and CMD buttons. I set up a simple flight consisting of waypoints and VOR's. Within AirTracks MCP I turned on the FD, changed the SRC to FMC, entered in an altitude of 3,000 feet. I took off the aircraft and flew it to my course heading and pressed LNAV, V/S of +500 and then CMD to activate the autopilot. Upon my surprise, the DC-3 turned to the course and started tracking towards the first waypoint and was climbing at a 500+ feet per minute. The one issue I do not see to work properly is the altitude capture. The aircraft will continue to climb past your selected altitude in either V/S or LVL CHG modes. However the aircraft will hold an altitude if you press ALT HLD manually. So far the DC-3 has held it's course and changed towards all of the waypoints so far.

I can confirm that IAS/MACH hold works correctly, HDG SEL mode works correctly. I thought I would be daring and set up an ILS approach. I set the ILS frequency on the overhead panel on the DC-3. Then within AirTracks MCP I set a Course 1 heading of 233 degrees. On AirTracks EFIS page I selected the APP page, and SRC-NAV1 from within the MCP. I used the HDG SEL to fly an intercept course, once close I armed the VOR LOC and APP buttons from within the MCP. Much to my surprise, the DC-3 captured the ILS and then the G/S. It flew beautifully all the way to the numbers.

This adds another dimension to this wonderful aircraft. For those of you that want to fly real world routes, such as with the Buffulo livery, as long as you have AirTrack, this is a possibility.

[Goran_M]

Thanks for the post, Andrew!

I'm sure it will come in handy for many others using Airtrack.

[iandiss]

If you don't have Airtrack you can achieve the same using key commands.

I have assigned "A" to auto pilot altitude hold, "H" to autopilot heading hold and "I" to autopilot approach mode. "I" is a bit of a have faith option as you get no instrument indications that you are on the GS and Loc, but it does work.

I haven't worried about the NAV function as I prefer to use the heading mode of the autopilot

dissy