What is AYP?
The patent pending Auto Yoke Project is a device that is capable of providing continuous aileron input with the intent of assisting the pilot in maintaining the desired flight path during long VFR cross country flights. It does that while being temporarily attached to the control yoke (or stick) in a similar fashion a map holder would be attached (velcro, rubber bands, suction cup etc)
Due to the nature of the installation, no airframe alteration form ("337") is necessary, and the system can be removed or disabled at any time without using any tools or equipment.
As an extra functionality, the integrated LCD display offers attitude and heading information independently of the vacuum system.
Features
1-axis auto pilot capability
portable device: no installation necessary
cost effective alternative to conventional systems
Backup AHRS using solid state gyros
VFR into IMC emergency remedy - automatically fly a teardrop course reversal with a push of a button
Why use AYP?
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Pleasure for flying
reduce pilot workload by transferring the repetitive and monotonous task of tracking the assigned heading to AYP.
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Cost-effective
do this at a fraction of the cost of classic auto pilot installations
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Enhanced safety
enhance overall flight safety by reducing pilot fatigue during long
How does it work?
Using the data from the AHRS module and the desired flight path as a target, the AYP will slide a calibrated weight laterally along the width of the yoke causing it to rotate.
This device has no fuselage attachment points and it uses the gravity (through weight shifting) to develop the torque necessary for aileron inputs. The mechanical part of the AYP works similarly to a pendulum.
The system has a switch to select from various methods of operation : wings level, hold heading, flight plan, and off.
In an emergency or any other scenario where the pilot needs to override the AYP inputs, taking control of the airplane is done by manually operating the control wheel, overpowering the torque produced by the 2lbs counterweight.
Our Team
Radu Georgescu
Software Developer, Commercial Pilot and Flight instructor
Responsible for main development, testing and financing of AYP
- 660radu@gmail.com
- 310-989-4809
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Louisville, KY
Adrian Hojda
Airframe Engineer
Responsible for technical documentation, product development and testing
- adiusa@gmail.com
- 832-488-0663
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Los Angeles, CA
Development
Accomplished milestones
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Aug 2020
Radu Georgescu and Adrian Hojda have the idea to create AYP
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Nov 2020
first functional version of AYP is developed using 3D printer mechanical components
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Dec 2020
first AYP test flight is completed using a Mooney M20C as a test mule.
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Feb 2021
work is commenced on the AHRS aspect of the AYP
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May 2021
a provisional patent is awarded by USPTO for AYP
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Jul 2021
first public display of the AYP happens at EAA Air Venture in Oshkosh, WI
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Nov 2021
with the help of 3D printing, a new style weight shifting device is prototyped; it is faster, lighter and cheaper than the previous version.
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Apr 2022
a non-provisional patent application for the AYP is acknowledged by US Patent Office
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Dec 2022
after a 6 months hiatus due to other commitments, work on the project is resumed: the design for the control box is revised using faster and more functional electronic components
Desired milestones
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TBD
further refinement of AHRS unit. Problems: reliable flight attitude data acquisition using consumer grade electronics; automation algorithm for steering input
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TBD
first autonomous AYP prototype is tested
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TBD
limited availability of samples for evaluation purposes