Autopilot Opportunity
All, I have been working with a dealer for the Bendix AeroCruz 100. Like all the other manufacturers if we have enough people who might buy it, they will certify it. Unlike the other opportunities I have offered and they have accepted my 337D and my pilot services for the certification process. All owners that might be interested check out the autopilot on the web and fill out this form. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...3rN6g/viewform You will have to copy and paste it into your browser. It's not a hot link. It should fill in your google account information. If you see mine please change it to yours.
I personally don't think the AeroCruz 100 is the beat all of autopilots but it sure does things better than what we have in these airplanes except for the high end STec. For a lot less money. It will be for whatever airplane is on the same type certificate as a 337D. That eliminates the 336. Bendix thinks our airplane can be like a big single and it is willing to tackle the certification. The servos are strong enough and the lack of asymmetrical thrust makes it straight forward. Other than what I have told you what I know. I have no answers. |
Filled out the form in under a minute, thanks
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Done and thanks!
It would be great to have a low cost option like this. |
Is the Bendix just a two-axis? I didn't complete the form because of this question.
"If an STC for the BK Aerocruz 100 2 axis autopilot were available how soon are you looking to install it?" |
2 Axis
Yes Sir I believe it is. No yaw damp
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Form completed
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Same here, form completed.
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Form completed
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Form completed!
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submitted !!!!!
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I'm pretty satisfied with my Gensys/S-Tec 60-2, but I put my name on the list anyway just in case.
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Update
Hi Guys, Girls, I checked today to see how many of us have signed up. So far 17. BK says we need to get to 60. So please if you haven't put your name in please do. It is not a commitment of course just a survey.
I understand there is a forum on facebook too. I'm not a Facebook guy so could I ask one of you to copy the link and post it there as well. A modern autopilot option may breath some additional life into our airplanes and make them more valuable down the road. Our airplanes are a good value for the bucks. One more option might bring some new owners to our little niche we have. A big Thank You to all who have completed the survey so far. |
Done. Thanks for your efforts.
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Update # 2 and likely the final update
We have produce just 21 replies as interested parties to the Bendix King CRUZ 100 autopilot. Bendix will not discuss an STC for the Skymaster at this time. The reason: not enough interest and therefore not commercially viable.
I thought we had a path forward but we are short by 2/3 of what they need. A big Thank you to all of those that participated. |
Well, that sucks because my 400A needs to be replaced.
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So, I guess that leaves the GenesysAerosystems, aka STEC?
My 400A is still working, thanks to Auto Pilots Central. When I was last there, I asked what was next when it quit and was told the 55X. The 2021 MSRP was $21K just for the A/P. So who knows, maybe the 400A will outlast me. |
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My understanding is that AP Central can repair just about anything on a 400A - Why not just let them keep it flying for you rather than spend $30k on a new AP + install??? It may not be a modern digital AP, but its certainly better than nothing! |
55x Quote
I got a quote for a 55X today. It does have the Altitude Select interface with the Aspens which are already installed but no electric trim. The wait time is 12 weeks for the equipment to arrive at the dealer. Dealer install time was not discussed. $36,164 plus tax and extras like shipping, shop supplies, dealer extras and front and rear floor mats. They would not quote a 60-2 even though I asked for one. There is a 16 week lead time.
I think the moral here is if you have an autopilot love the one you are with. If you don't, you don't and you may never have an autopilot. How do you spend that much money for one piece of equipment on a 1969 337D? I just can't pull the trigger. |
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Yep, sticking with the 400A and Autopilots Central. I cannot see putting that kind of money into my '77 G.
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Form Completed
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Autopilot Opportunity
to ALL.
FYI. I have the straight 400 autopilot that was included, IN A BOX, with the purchase of a '65 C337. I talked with Central autopilot, the guy told me that they were NO LONGER rebuilding the Navomatic 400? Maybe it's only the straight 400? Anyways, I found a avionics shop, Mayday avionics, in Michigan. It took some time to get it rebuild but they finally got it repaired. A SOAPA member had donated his servos to complete the repair. THANKS TO TOM M!! It was really inexpensive, $3100 which included rebuilt AI and DG. I still need to go to Mayday to have them certify the install. The tech said it maybe another $1500 for the service/flight check. My option-NO TOO BAD! Regards, BILLS |
That amount is not bad at all!
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Have straight 400. does Mayday rebuild the servos and control head? My whole system is shot. Been too busy with other problems to worry about autopilot and was afraid by time I got to it service might end. Looks like the end is near now that autopilots central is bailing out.
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Gfc500
just stumbled on an article from 2021 talking about twin certification for the Garmin GFC500. That pretty much blows away argument that these newer low cost autopilot units will only get certified on singles. It takes about multiple models of the twin commanche.
Who knows someone at Garmin to see if they'll step up for the iconic Skymaster line. I'm happy to provide my plane as a test platform. |
I think I posted the link in some thread in the past; here it is below.
They’re talking out of both sides of their mouth. I plan on going to Oshkosh this year and maybe(?) finding an ear to bend. Not that I’m anything more than a noisy owner. Does lack of adverse yaw and the centerline thrust help them in any way? I’m sure there’s a liability vs profitability equation going on on their side and it would be nice to know the hot button. https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/...twin-comanche/ |
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The Skymaster gets trickier, there are 20 different models across 633 registered airframes. Cessna was always really bad about creating a new model each year. Not Piper. Quote:
Attachment 2704 |
Icon factor
I understand volumes needed for commercial viability, but I think mfgs sometimes overlook the great marketing they are missing by skipping our model.
I can't land at any airport, anywhere, without people wanting to come up and see the BumbleBee. Avidyne, AeroLED, and Garmin with the G5s get tons of positive exposure. It's amplified even more by the fact that at OSH and SNF the curious who pop over for a look are even greater numbers. I can (mostly) get the Navomatic to fly the G5 heading bug, but it would be so much safer to have a current tech a/p... and the mfg who steps up, will be able to get a lot a free press/marketing. That being said, I was told by numerous mfgs of the newer age a/p that offer them at reasonable cost: the FAA won't let us certify twins, the goal was to offer these low cost models to singles and keep the twins, jets, etc all paying up for the higher margin versions. Market segmentation. But now I see that Garmin has certified a twin for the DFC500. With any luck, someone will be able to get a 337 field approval on that basis and then we can all fly safer. |
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