AP Disconnect Button Fell Off

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Scotsman58
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AP Disconnect Button Fell Off

Post by Scotsman58 »

Yesterday, the AP was flying as I approached my home field, and when it came time to turn it off, I felt for the disconnect button and couldn't find it -- I looked down to the yoke and no red button! After a brief moment of confusion, I turned the AP off at the panel (I have the K(r)AP 140), also realizing that I could have hit the red button on the other yoke or gone for the circuit breaker (which I have marked with a red ring from Sportys).

After landing and shutdown, I found the button on the floor. It screwed nicely back into the switch mechanism, and it appears to work properly (although of course I will fully test it on the ground next time I go flying).

Has this happened to anyone else? I'm wondering if there is any approved way to screw in the button more securely. I thought about putting some Loctite on the threads, but I'm hesitant to do anything that might bind the switch, etc.
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smoss
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Re: AP Disconnect Button Fell Off

Post by smoss »

Mine did the exact same thing 4 years ago, confusion and all, found it on the floor. Never came loose again after screwing it back on. Also, you can AP disconnect by hitting the electric trim switch with the GFC700, not sure if same functionality with the KAP.
Steve
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Scotsman58
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Re: AP Disconnect Button Fell Off

Post by Scotsman58 »

Thanks, Steve. Glad to hear that yours has remained put since you screwed it back on.

I checked in the manual -- use of the electric trim switch also works to disconnect the AP for the KAP 140.
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Diamond_Dan
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Re: AP Disconnect Button Fell Off

Post by Diamond_Dan »

I tried to press the A/P disconnect button yesterday during an instructional flight and it wouldn't disconnect the autopilot. Not a big deal at that moment since there are several other ways to shut down the autopilot. I fiddled with it for a few minutes and got it working again. After reading this post I am thinking it needs to be screwed in (the button does not protrude very much at all). Can anyone explain how to do this?
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Steve
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Re: AP Disconnect Button Fell Off

Post by Steve »

Here are a few pictures (forgive the poor quality) of the parts in question, the screw-on button and DPDT pushbutton switch in the control stick. The small threaded stud on the button simply screws into a threaded hole on the switch plunger:
IMG_3272.jpg
IMG_3273.jpg
IMG_3274.jpg
If you ever need replacement parts (which I did for a bad switch) you can get them from that well-known aviation parts supplier... Mouser. Hope this helps,

Steve
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