Genesys 3100 - Autopilot

[mshac]

Getting a new AP system approved for the 336/337 fleet is unlikely to occur, as much as we wish it were otherwise. Note I didn't say impossible, I said unlikely!

A stoic view of the situation would be that there are APs out there that will work (400, 400A, 400B, Multiple S-Tec (Genesys) models), but they are analog, old (400-series), expensive (STEC), and some unsupported. That is the reality.

FAA regs may soon change to allow experimental avionics in certified part 91 aircraft not used for passenger charter operations (135). The debate is already well underway. If they do, a whole new world of AP possibilities will open up. Garmin sells the components of the 3100 to the experimental market already. Here, take a look: https://sarasotaavionics.com/categor...tal-autopilots

Avionic shops would most likely love to see this change to the regs as it would open up a new market for their install services. They may not make as much on the experimental avionics, but the install rate per hour will be the exact same!

So it doesn't look great right now, but there could be a bright future. We shall see. Sometimes it truly is darkest just before the dawn...