Folks, we need to fortify the front against Garmin (Autopilot)

[GAdams]

To be helpful to the group: Yesterday I completed the final flight test of the 55X system in my 337D model. All went flawless and I now have an autopilot nicely matched to the 337. I started working on this project back in April of 2022. I paid less than half the numbers you all are quoting for the 55X and the install. I did not elect to install the electric trim option as my airplane doesn't have electric trim anyway. Manually trimming this airplane is a non issue with the autopilot. The path to this success was long and not without setbacks but I may have paved the way for the rest of the fleet to an autopilot solution. My installer was the key. He worked with an Genesys dealer for the purchase of a remanufactured 55X, he did the installation and the dealer signed off the final inspection and paperwork. The dealer doesn't want to do the install and if you make him, he will quote 120 hours flat rate where the install took 54 hours. The install rate was $75 per hour. I have warranties as if it was a factory new unit. I'm not going to publish the installer's name and number here but PM me and I will share the information. We now have a path to replace our aging 300/400/400A's with at least a modern supported autopilot. Not digital but perhaps good enough for our birds. That's your decision.

[YankeeClipper]

Thanks GA.

To be sure, the 55x is certified for our planes. The reason for my concern is that I can't find an installer that estimates under 35k for the most basic of installations. On the east coast it seems I can't find anyone to tell me what color my airplane is for less than $130 plus time and materials. Even if I could it's worrisome when Genesys says they can't fill orders for the 55x right now at any price. At face value that's a problem for a little while anyway, and a monopoly is also an undesirable state of affairs if I read into all of this. We may be a niche market, but we're not flying B314s either (10 pt bonus if you can spot one without googling).

Or maybe we are numbering that few, but I guess I'm saying let's not go quiet into that dark night. Not just yet. Rather, keep lobbying Garmin and Genesys for more options.

Now about that contact you have...