I am a G3x user: Yes you want the trim to disconnect the autopilot. It’s a safety function on the G3x and every other autopilot system I have flown. The autopilot is saying the aircraft needs to be trimmed up and it’s not trimming correctly. The autopilot needs the ability to trim the aircraft. G3x does not have enough amps to power most trim motors, so you may need the safety trim switch that will provide enough amps to trim motor, if you don’t already have one. Normal operation is the autopilot is trimming in the background. Only way you know it’s trimming is if you have a trim position indicator. The amber message is saying there is to much force and the aircraft needs to be trimmed.
Good work keeping cool and not being afraid to declare the emergency. Obviously you are ok and the tone in your voice tells me the Raptor is too.... but I am still on the edge of my seat!
Not to be critical, just an observation. I don't know if this is the problem here, but the weakest link in your drive system is the redrive. A lot of people early on were skeptical of the engine choice, I think that will be fine, but the redrive is a problem. There is a lot of potential failure points on that drive. One is the oil seals, and oil hoses. Belts, pulleys, and tensioner another. Internally I saw some potential issues also. The redrive the way it is now, is a catastrophe waiting to happen.
Good job handling the emergency. Logical progression as the problem escalated, so did your response. Two points. While most folks, ATC and cockpit understand,”Declaring an emergency,” nothing comes across as clearly as,”Mayday, Mayday,Mayday.” It can be said in a calm voice, it can even be said slowly but know that everyone hearing it will realize the seriousness and respond accordingly. We have people flying in our airspace who are not English first language and the term cut through a multitude of barriers. There’s a little stigma about using the term in the US, perceived often overly dramatic but that should not be a consideration. Clear, unambiguous effective communication is the goal. Secondly, if you squawk 7700, every radar that can see your transponder will light you up nice and bright. Not a big factor here but if transitioning through different airspace sectors, the sector you’re going to or descending into should see you coming.
I always like the fact that there is video.. Means the outcome wasn't terminal.
I am a G3x user: Yes you want the trim to disconnect the autopilot. It’s a safety function on the G3x and every other autopilot system I have flown. The autopilot is saying the aircraft needs to be trimmed up and it’s not trimming correctly. The autopilot needs the ability to trim the aircraft. G3x does not have enough amps to power most trim motors, so you may need the safety trim switch that will provide enough amps to trim motor, if you don’t already have one. Normal operation is the autopilot is trimming in the background. Only way you know it’s trimming is if you have a trim position indicator. The amber message is saying there is to much force and the aircraft needs to be trimmed.
It's good to see that you declared an emergency....
Me, when I saw the oil coming out around the oil cooler - "OH SH*T!!" This is a bigger cliff hanger than Dallas when they shot JR!
Good work keeping cool and not being afraid to declare the emergency. Obviously you are ok and the tone in your voice tells me the Raptor is too.... but I am still on the edge of my seat!
Ever since the emergency recording came up on the facebook group, I've been looking forward to seeing it from your perspective. I'm glad you're okay.
Love the fact that you managed the anxiety, did the mental checklist, & flew the plane first . . . I preach that to my daughter dang near every day
Wow cliff hanger!!!! Glad you're okay! Looking forward to the next video, and I really hope there's not too much damage.
Not to be critical, just an observation. I don't know if this is the problem here, but the weakest link in your drive system is the redrive. A lot of people early on were skeptical of the engine choice, I think that will be fine, but the redrive is a problem. There is a lot of potential failure points on that drive. One is the oil seals, and oil hoses. Belts, pulleys, and tensioner another. Internally I saw some potential issues also. The redrive the way it is now, is a catastrophe waiting to happen.
It’s good to know you are safe. But, dang hard to take the abrupt end of part 1. Thanks for sharing the process.
Good job handling the emergency. Logical progression as the problem escalated, so did your response. Two points. While most folks, ATC and cockpit understand,”Declaring an emergency,” nothing comes across as clearly as,”Mayday, Mayday,Mayday.” It can be said in a calm voice, it can even be said slowly but know that everyone hearing it will realize the seriousness and respond accordingly. We have people flying in our airspace who are not English first language and the term cut through a multitude of barriers. There’s a little stigma about using the term in the US, perceived often overly dramatic but that should not be a consideration. Clear, unambiguous effective communication is the goal. Secondly, if you squawk 7700, every radar that can see your transponder will light you up nice and bright. Not a big factor here but if transitioning through different airspace sectors, the sector you’re going to or descending into should see you coming.
When I see the specifications on the potential performances of this aircraft I think they are over and over inflated.
"...anytime the autopilot is active and you manually use the trim it'll disengage the autopilot and I don't think that's a great idea..."
Wow, you really left us hanging there. Hope you and the plane are ok.
For expelling more hot air cleanly, you could saw off a section of that dorsal inlet rib close where it fairs in near the prop.
What a cliff hanger … I’m glad we don’t have to wait months to learn the details. What season are we on now?
great!! when are we gonna see it cruise at 300 Miles/h ??
And I was just starting to wonder why you only circle around the airport on these flights. Looking forward to part 2.
Glad you're safe. I'll be interested to see what the inside of the engine looks like.
You can't leave us hanging like that!!