Pro Pilot Options

Auto-Trim:  If the aircraft is equipped with an electric elevator trim system (Trio does not provide the electric trim system), the Gold Standard Servo may be upgraded to include an Auto-Trim feature.  When installed, this function will keep the plane in trim at all times that the autopilot is in use.  The Pro Pilot senses when the servo is required to keep pressure on the controls due to an out-of-trim condition and it will then direct the trim circuits in the servo to provide the proper output to drive the elevator trim until the control pressure is relieved. 

Let's say that you command a climb.  The system will tell the servo to pull the elevator up.  To do this requires a continuous force on the elevator controls because the aircraft trim is set for level flight.  With Auto-Trim the servo will command your aircraft electric trim to adjust to relieve the pressure on the control system and it will drive the trim motor until the aircraft is trimmed for climb.  Once you reach the desired altitude and the aircraft levels off, the aircraft will once again be out of trim.  The Auto-Trim will again command the aircraft electric trim system to adjust for proper level-flight trim.

Do you need Auto-Trim?  Auto-Trim can be important because, with the Altitude Control servo operating the elevator, you don't have a "feel" where the trim is set.  Without an Auto-Trim system you might get a big surprise when you disconnect the Altitude Control system.  If the airplane has been out of trim while the Altitude Control was handling the elevator you may experience a sudden and abrupt pitch change when releasing the servo.  With Auto-Trim you don't have to worry about it, as the Auto-Trim system will keep the aircraft in proper trim during climbs, descents, and level flight - it's one less thing you have to fuss with.

Of course, if your aircraft does not have an electric elevator trim, the Pro Pilot will always put a message on the screen to let you know that you should manually trim the elevator up or down.

GPSS (GPS Steering):  This option might be desired if your GPS receiver or EFIS system provides GPSS commands, usually via an ARINC 429 data output.  In this case, the Pro Pilot will no longer rely upon its own navigation functions, but will follow the roll commands coming from the GPS or EFIS for guidance. 

(Note:  If you will be using a handheld GPS to provide signals to the autopilot, it does not have ARINC 429 outputs available)

GPSV (GPS Vertical Steering):  With WAAS approaches coming into widespread use, it is now possible to do precision approaches using approved GPS systems.  The GPSV option allows the Pro Pilot to follow the pitch steering commands that are provided by an approved panel mounted WAAS GPS receiver or EFIS system for descents into an airport.  The GPSV option requires that the GPSS option is also installed.

The GPSV feature also allows the autopilot to follow the vertical bug on a compatible EFIS system.

Note:  Trio has combined the GPSS and GPSV functions to interface with the increased number of EFIS systems and approach certified receivers.  We now offer only the combined GPSS/GPSV option.

Fuel Management: With the addition of a fuel flow transducer and the Fuel Management upgrade to the control head, the Pro Pilot becomes a versatile fuel management system.  A small external pushbutton is provided to activate the fuel readout on the Pro Pilot display screen.  The default message will show fuel consumption in gallons/liters per hour.  Sequentially pressing the button toggles the display to show Fuel Remaining, Time Remaining, and Distance Remaining based on the current fuel flow and navigation data from the GPS.  A Low Fuel warning will also display .