Garmin G1000 Cockpit Reference Guide for the Socata TBM 850
190-00708-00 Rev. A
SECTION 6 – AUTOMATIC
FLIGHT CONTROL
6-24
6.5 AUTOPILOT AND YAW DAMPER
OPERATION
NOTE: Refer to the AFM for specific instructions
regarding emergency procedures.
The autopilot controls the aircraft pitch and roll attitudes
following commands received from the flight director. Pitch
autotrim provides trim commands to the pitch trim servo
to relieve any sustained effort required by the pitch servo.
Autopilot operation is independent of the yaw damper for
the Socata TBM 850.
The yaw damper reduces Dutch roll tendencies and
coordinates turns. It can operate independently of the
autopilot and may be used during normal hand-flight
maneuvers. Yaw rate commands are limited to 6 deg/sec
by the yaw damper.
Flight Control
Pitch and roll commands are provided to the servos
based on the active flight director modes. Yaw damping is
provided by the yaw servo. Servo motor control limits the
maximum servo speed and torque. The servo gearboxes
are equipped with slip-clutches set to certain values. This
allows the servos to be overridden in case of an emergency.
Pitch Axis and Trim
The autopilot pitch axis uses pitch rate to stabilize the
aircraft pitch attitude during upsets and flight director
maneuvers. Flight director pitch commands are rate- and
attitude-limited, combined with pitch damper control, and
sent to the pitch servo motor. The pitch servo measures the
output effort (torque) and provides this signal to the pitch
trim servo. The pitch trim servo commands the motor to
reduce the average pitch servo effort.
When the autopilot is not engaged, the pitch trim servo
may be used to provide manual electric pitch trim (MEPT).
This allows the aircraft to be trimmed using a control wheel
switch rather than the trim wheel. Manual trim commands
are generated only when both halves of the MEPT Switch
are operated simultaneously. Trim speeds are scheduled
with airspeed to provide more consistent response.
Roll Axis
The autopilot roll axis uses roll rate to stabilize aircraft
roll attitude during upsets and flight director maneuvers.
The flight director roll commands are rate- and attitude-
limited, combined with roll damper control, and sent to the
roll servo motor.
Yaw Axis and Trim
The yaw damper uses yaw rate and roll attitude to
dampen the aircraft’s natural Dutch roll response. It also
uses lateral acceleration to coordinate turns. Yaw damper
operation is independent of autopilot engagement.
When the yaw damper is not engaged, the yaw trim
adapter may be used to provide manual electric yaw trim
(MEYT). This allows the aircraft to be trimmed using a
control wheel switch. Trim speeds are scheduled with air-
speed to provide more consistent response.
Engagement
NOTE: Autopilot engagement/disengagement
is not equivalent to servo engagement/
disengagement. Use the CWS Button to
disengage the pitch and roll servos while the
autopilot remains active.
When the AP Key is pressed, the autopilot, yaw damper,
and flight director (if not already active) are activated and
the annunciator lights on the AFCS controller for the
autopilot and yaw damper are illuminated. The flight
director engages in Pitch and Roll Hold Modes when
initially activated.
Figure 6-28 Autopilot and Yaw Damper Engaged
Autopilot Engaged
Yaw Damper Engaged
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