Vertical MRO Tech Talk by Bell – Episode #12: Autopilot Part II - Bell 407 Focus

Welcome to another episode of Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell.In this episode of Vertical MRO Tech Talk presented by Bell, host Jon Gray continues the conversation on autopilot systems with Dawn Lehto and Tad Morley. This time, focusing on the Bell 407 Autopilot Flight Control System (AFCS) discussion. Building on the system overview from Part I, the team takes a deeper dive into troubleshooting common autopilot issues and understanding how the system behaves in real-world operations.Drawing on their experience supporting operators in the field, Dawn and Tad explain how technicians and pilots can better diagnose AFCS faults by understanding system behavior, reviewing fault codes, and following proper maintenance procedures. The discussion explores topics such as autopilot degrade messages, common causes of iBit test failures, and how environmental factors can sometimes impact system performance.The team also walks through practical troubleshooting steps and highlights the importance of correct balance spring adjustments and proper aircraft configuration when diagnosing autopilot issues. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize how careful adherence to the flight manual supplement and maintenance documentation helps prevent many of the common problems operators encounter.With a focus on practical insights and real-world examples, this episode provides valuable guidance for technicians, pilots, and operators working with the Bell 407 AFCS system.We want to hear from you! – [email protected] help with your Bell helicopter? Email us at [email protected] or visit https://www.bellflight.com/support/commercial.