Traffic pattern

[Savannah_flyer]

Hi to all,

I'don't know if that is possible, but I believe that it would be helpfull if there was a capability within the autopilot to put the plane in a predetermined by the pilot holding pattern by use of a soft key. Let's say that I fly to an airfield and there is traffic. I have to remain out of the airfield's pattern and wait till I can enter. I have a predetermined left hand pattern in my system that I enable in order for the autopilot to fly the plane. It's just an idea.

 

[preid]

I sort of recall years ago when I flew ifr and we were put in a hold we would turn the dial to the outbound heading and after 1 minute turn the dial back to the inbound than correct for winds the next time around, manually. I know what you're asking but I would probably do the same thing if I had the AP flying a pattern or hold.

 

[Dynon]

If you're using the expert mode on the autopilot, its default mode when you engage with no targets is roll hold and maintain the existing vertical speed. So if you have some left or right bank in, and are holding altitude, it'll basically turn in circles for you. It's not exactly what you're asking for, but it can be a way to have the AP roughly "maintain position" while you wait for traffic to pass.