GFC700 autopilot overshoot turning to a heading

Any DA40 related topics

Moderators: Rick, Lance Murray

Post Reply
User avatar
smoss
5 Diamonds Member
5 Diamonds Member
Posts: 742
Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2010 12:18 am
First Name: Steve
Aircraft Type: DA40
Airports: KVGT
Has thanked: 57 times
Been thanked: 134 times

GFC700 autopilot overshoot turning to a heading

Post by smoss »

When I first got my plane many years ago, if I was flying straight on HDG mode, then turned the bug anything substantial to change course, the FD would intercept the new heading consistently with amazing precision, no wind, big crosswind, whatever. It was always dead on. Now, when I do the same, the FD usually overshoots by 5-10 degrees or so, then quickly corrects back to the set course. It seems it is the FD making the overshoot, not the autopilot, as the pink and yellow chevrons are locked throughout the whole maneuver. Any thoughts on why, or if others see this behavior as well? Intercepting a localizer however, is still dead on.
Steve
DA40 XL
User avatar
Boatguy
5 Diamonds Member
5 Diamonds Member
Posts: 1827
Joined: Mon Jan 22, 2018 4:48 am
First Name: Russ
Aircraft Type: DA62
Aircraft Registration: N962M
Airports: KSTS
Has thanked: 1327 times
Been thanked: 1163 times

Re: GFC700 autopilot overshoot turning to a heading

Post by Boatguy »

Winds have no effect on changing heading, only on the resultant course. I use that function frequently, and my wife was using it a lot yesterday in some training. It's very reliable about turning to the selected heading.

I suppose it could be an issue with the magnetometer?
User avatar
smoss
5 Diamonds Member
5 Diamonds Member
Posts: 742
Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2010 12:18 am
First Name: Steve
Aircraft Type: DA40
Airports: KVGT
Has thanked: 57 times
Been thanked: 134 times

Re: GFC700 autopilot overshoot turning to a heading

Post by smoss »

Russ, you are correct, winds should have no effect on that. I guess I noticed it as well last time flying on AP NAV when a waypoint was passed instigating a turn, which also then overshot the new desired course by 5-10 degrees before correcting back. That time, I suppose winds would play an effect in the new calculated heading for the desired track, but I had no significant winds at the time, and prior to a year or so ago, those always pegged the new track dead on as well, irregardless of winds.
Steve
DA40 XL
User avatar
waynemcc999
5 Diamonds Member
5 Diamonds Member
Posts: 556
Joined: Sun Jun 08, 2014 3:38 pm
First Name: Wayne
Aircraft Type: DA40
Aircraft Registration: N211WP
Airports: KSBA
Has thanked: 1502 times
Been thanked: 399 times

Re: GFC700 autopilot overshoot turning to a heading

Post by waynemcc999 »

Steve, since the FD appears to be having difficulty (as opposed to the autopilot itself) it could be that Russ is onto something with the magnetometer. Hopefully there is a Garmin Aviation service center in the Vegas area that can investigate.
Good luck and keep us updated,
Wayne

BTW -- likely not related... I had the Red X HDG problem and it did indeed turn out to be the magnetometer. In aviation terms, not all that pricey to replace with new: parts ~US$750 plus a few hours labor.
Wayne McClelland
PPL/IR, 2008 Diamond Star DA40-XLS 40.922, KSBA
Photo logs of PilotsNPaws | Flying Doctors | Angel Flight | YouTube @GeezerGeekPilot
User avatar
smoss
5 Diamonds Member
5 Diamonds Member
Posts: 742
Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2010 12:18 am
First Name: Steve
Aircraft Type: DA40
Airports: KVGT
Has thanked: 57 times
Been thanked: 134 times

Re: GFC700 autopilot overshoot turning to a heading

Post by smoss »

Magnetometer otherwise seems to work great, no problems. It my be worth while though to try doing the recalibration process (described elsewhere in the forum). Thanks.
Steve
DA40 XL
Post Reply