if the autopilot is engaged, you can’t physically move the wheels, because it is moving them for you. Press the red button on the steering wheel to disconnect autopilot.
That IAS tape on the left of the sky/ground box is the most important thing on the plane. It’s got red bands on the high side and low side that you should stay out of.
if the plane tells you there’s a “stall, stall” you need to push the wheels forward to make the nose go down. And keep the speed above that lower red band.
the black button on the wheel is the push-to-talk to talk on the radio, or maybe the internal PA system. Depends how it’s set up.
most important: the switch for the “fasten seatbelt” sign is usually on the bottom of the top panel. You can flip it on and off as much as you want. (Older planes will also let you do this with the “no smoking” sign).
if the autopilot is engaged, you can’t physically move the wheels, because it is moving them for you.
I’m pretty sure on newer 737s the autopilot disconnects when it detects a sufficient physical force on the yoke. But yeah the button is easier and safer.
most important: the switch for the “fasten seatbelt” sign is usually on the bottom of the top panel. You can flip it on and off as much as you want. (Older planes will also let you do this with the “no smoking” sign).
Gee, how the hell did everyone miss this? The most important control element.
I’m pretty sure on newer 737s the autopilot disconnects when it detects a sufficient physical force on the yoke.
On airplanes that don’t do this, the autopilot servos are clutched so that you can still override them by applying a specified amount of force. There are reinforced points on the bottom of the dash panel that you can use with your foot to get leverage to help with this.
(This also applies as a backup on planes that do disconnect)
Some more practical tips.
I’m pretty sure on newer 737s the autopilot disconnects when it detects a sufficient physical force on the yoke. But yeah the button is easier and safer.
Gee, how the hell did everyone miss this? The most important control element.
On airplanes that don’t do this, the autopilot servos are clutched so that you can still override them by applying a specified amount of force. There are reinforced points on the bottom of the dash panel that you can use with your foot to get leverage to help with this.
(This also applies as a backup on planes that do disconnect)
How tempting is it to push all the buttons all the time?