Level Button in an Emergency Passenger Operation

[Newkentboy]

I installed the LEVEL button in front of my passenger seat primarily to be used if I, the pilot, should become incapacitated. I also have the three knob control installed near it (Altitude, Baro, Heading). It would be very useful, and very invaluable in an emergency situation, if the system could be optionally programmed to engage the autopilot not so much in the “Level” mode but in a mode that could be controlled by the passenger using the altitude and heading knobs. I live near an ocean, and I could foresee a possibly of it being engaged and simply flying the hapless passenger out to sea using the Level function alone. The ability to modify how the Level button engages the autopilot could be a lifesaver.

 

[Rhino]

If the passenger can't fly, I don't see the point. It would just change the location of the crash.

 

[Newkentboy]

If the passenger can't fly, I don't see the point. It would just change the location of the crash.

Well, in my plane, if they got over land, they’d pull the parachute and land safely, without an ability to fly the plane. Over water, they wouldn't be so lucky.

 

[Rhino]

I wouldn't assume they'd land "safely" over land, even with a parachute, nor would I assume they couldn't do the same over water. They should know how to open a door and get out either way. You're still just changing the location of the crash. But if it matters that much, teach them how to turn the plane. That isn't very difficult. Unless your plane doesn't have dynamic stability, it should maintain a fairly stable altitude. Or teach them how to use the knob control panel. Unless Dynon comes out with some sort of autoland capability, those are pretty much your best options.

 

[Hawkertech]

Brief them on how to activate they emergency glide function. In the new firmware versions, it will activate the autopilot.

 

[Newkentboy]

Brief them on how to activate they emergency glide function. In the new firmware versions, it will activate the autopilot.

Thanks, I’ll check it out next time I fly.