Autopilot switch subpanel

[bzollars]

Sometimes, when getting re-routed a lot, or dodging storms, or on an especially complex approach during turbulence, I have wished for a separate set of buttons on the panel to select autopilot lateral and vertical mode (HDG, GNAV, ENAV, VS, IAS, etc.), instead of having to click the knob and push-scroll for the desired mode, and then exit. Interacting with the MFD buttons can be problematic in bump air. A separate sub-panel could even look like an STEC AP box .

Cheers,
Byron

[jclark]

First, the touchscreen "autopilot mode control" software is a really nice piece of work.

The problem is that not all screens are touchscreen.

I have been using GRT for so long that I am somewhat on autopilot when pressing the buttons on the EFIS.
BUT!!!!

When in a crunch, I sometimes forget!

In these cases, a physical "mode control panel" would be an AWESOME addition.

Another model to consider is Garmin's. I am not a big fan of Dynon's.