I’’m sure this is down to pilot error, but I am encountering a novel problem with my Cessna today. I am on a VOR/VFR flight around Utah (basically from Salt Lake to Reno on a scenic route. FL090-100 due to terrain. I have the wind set to calm, but even so the plane is rocking badly from side to side, both during climb and at cruise. I have the throttle in the green, heading set on autopilot, but it is still just happening. Any ideas? Thanks!!
Cessna 172 unstable
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- Official Post
Are you using the copilot interface in the lower right corner or did you turn on the autopilot with the button inside the virtual cockpit?
What does the autopilot panel show? Can you maybe upload a screenshot of the cockpit, maybe I can spot an error? Thanks
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Thanks! Photo doesn’t catch the wobble but yes, I am controlling everything from the actual cockpit (ie not using the copilot but the actual autopilot) and flying a VOR radial ...
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- Official Post
Very strange. How do you control your rudder?
What setting did you select in the control settings for the rudder?
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In the settings manual but I haven’t been touching it while on autopilot (either with the yoke or the on screen slider).
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- Official Post
OK and is it linked to any roll movements of the device or do you just use the on-screen stick (touch area in the lower right)?
I don't have any instability with the Cessna at all, this is kind of strange. But I'll test it again tomorrow.
Does this happen with any other aircraft (that don't have a yaw-damper), e.g. the Extra or Pitts?
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Is there an on screen stick available for mobile?
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- Official Post
Is there an on screen stick available for mobile?
I'm not sure if it's available on all devices, this could depend on the screen size. Or I'm hallucinating from all the coffee I drink. Could be that too
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It could the coffee! For the rudder, if I do use it (only when I’m not flying on autopilot with the heading bug etc.) I use the control on the lower right (i.e. not in the cockpit itself but the virtual one on screen). This is the first time I’ve ever had an issue with the Cessna, always has worked well before.
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To close this out ... most definitely pilot error!! My son pointed out today that I had turbulence set to almost ‘high’ so I was simply dealing with bad weather! Really sorry for sending people off on a wild goose chase. Thanks again for all the advice. Simple solution. I’m an idiot!
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- Official Post
Thank you for that clarification