Piper Aircraft Corporation Malibu Mirage PA-46-350P, Airplane Maintenance Manual

Page: 373 / 1956

PAGE 7
Feb 28/07 2F23
22-10-00
PIPER AIRCRAFT, INC.
PA-46-350P, MALIBU MIRAGE
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
The Pitch Computer receives select input signals from the Altitude Pressure Transducer,
Accelerometer, Glideslope Deviation Indicator and Altitude Selector/Alerter (if installed). It then
computes pitch servo commands for vertical speed, altitude hold and glideslope intercept and
tracking. Sensing for trim annunciation or automatic stabilator trim is provided by the pitch servo.
Drive for the stabilator trim servo is provided by the pitch computer.
A typical S-TEC System 55/55X Autopilot installation includes the following:
(1) Panel Mounted:
Programmer/Computer, Turn Coordinator, Annunciator, D.G. or HSI, altitude selector/alerter,
and Steering Horizon.
(2) Remote Mounted:
Roll Servo, Pitch Servo, Trim Servo, Trim Monitor, A/P Disconnect switch, and Altitude
(Pressure) Transducer.
Servo installations use aluminum brackets to secure the servos to the airframe. Attachment to the
airplane’s primary flight control and trim systems is accomplished with bridle cables and extension
attachments.
D. Troubleshooting
System functionality can be determined using functional checks described in the AFM Supplement
and autopilot Pilot’s Operating Handbook. More detailed troubleshooting should be accomplished by
authorized S-TEC Dealers, holding the appropriate FAA certification, with required test equipment
and service data.
E. GPSS (System 55X only.)
The Global Positioning System Steering (GPSS) is a function of the 55X autopilot only. In the GPSS
mode, the converter receives ground speed and bank angle digital signals that are calculated and
converted to a commanded turn rate. The turn rate is then scaled and converted to a DC heading
error signal that is compatible with S-TEC autopilots. The end result is an autopilot that can be
directly coupled to the roll steering commands produced by the GPS Navigator, eliminating the
need for the pilot to make any further adjustments to the HSI course arrow or the DG's heading
bug.
F. System Operation
Operation of the autopilot and other systems is described in the FAA-approved Airplane Flight
Manual Supplement (AFMS) - see airplane Pilot‘s Operating Handbook (POH), Section 9.
Specialized controls, annunciation, operation and interpretation are covered in this supplement and
in the S-TEC Autopilot POH that supplements the approved AFMS.
G. Maintenance
Except as provided in 5-20-00, servicing and/or maintenance of the autopilot system is On-
Condition.
NOTE: Servicing of S-TEC System 55/55X Autopilot installations is best accomplished by
approved S-TEC dealers holding the appropriate FAA-certification. Locations of and access
to the components installed are described and depicted individually below. Removal and
replacement of components is generally indicated by functional checks provided in the
AFM Supplement, S-TEC Autopilot POH and/or below.