Autopilot upgrade

[YankeeClipper]

Anyone heard any updates? Would be a pity if these aircraft were relegated to VFR or light IFR.

[Galvine]

I also haven’t heard anymore.

I do need an AP upgrade

Either STEC 55X now or keep waiting

Greg

[YankeeClipper]

Just got off the phone with Garmin.

They are currently in S/W dev for the Skymaster. No physical implementation yet. Once they get to the H/W stage they estimate about 1-2 years what with further R&D and FAA to get through.

I asked if they would usually see an actual product materialize (eventually) once they've gotten to the development phase they are currently in. He said that unless they just can't make it work right or the FAA won't cooperate it usually does materialize. Given that other aftermarket APs have, I see no reason why Garmin couldn't. They have multiple products which operate at multiple levels of servo size/strength.

[Galvine]

Thanks for calling
I was sure hoping ready for installation in 2026. Looks like exactly that, wishful Thinking

[YankeeClipper]

Might be a little wishful, perhaps. I'm also wishful that it will be less than an STEC 55x, especially since they weren't making any more parts for it last I spoke with those folks. It might even be discontinued at this point.

There was talk a while back about deposits for 3100s, but if that has been certified for our planes Genesys is awful coy about it.

Fingers crossed for the 600. Would have preferred attitude-based, but who knows--maybe the newer software will resolve that. And having one fewer point of failure isn't a bad thing. Could possibly lose the vacuum pump at that point ... I think.

[wslade2]

Thanks for the calls to Garmin. I went by every autopilot booth at Oshkosh this last '24 summer. Tried to not say anything here for fear of perpetuating rumors. But I'll speak up anyway.

Nil results across the board except:

1) STEC would take a deposit for the 55x at the show and energetically said it still was in production. They feel there is 5 more years of life left in the product and weren't planning on cancellation anytime soon. 3100, no go.

2) Garmin acknowledged interest in 337 airframe. Used the phrase "it's in the sandbox" (whatever that means). However they were more focused on airframes that could generate higher revenue/higher numbers. In particular, at the time, alot of focus on beefing up the citation fleet. On a positive note however, it is their plan to eventually get the GFC certified across all GA models and are committed to "full" GA buildout eventually.

Trio was a little intrigued in 337 airframe due to inline thrust. Also, a lean towards "orphan airframes" (Gruman AA-5, Cessna 190). They volunteered that some of what is going on is that FAA was more liberal about mathematical modeling and reporting from manufacturers as well as grouping similar airframes together to expedite the "new equipment to market" process....until the whole Boeing debacle. Now they have pumped the brakes.

So, fork in the road. Grab 55x now. Or hope for GFC and that nothing de-rails approval for 337. I'm still undecided....er, hopeful.

[mdrob1985]

I am in the midst of getting some panel updates. Going from a single Aspen Legacy 1000 PFD to 2000 Max PFD/MFD wtih two AV-30’s for backup AI’s to pull vacuum gauges. Current AP is an S-Tec 65 with a remote annunciator and remote ST 361 controller. It works very well with the Aspen and a pair of GTN 650’s. Garmin still has some incentives to exchange the two 650’s for new platform 650Xi’s. Anyone flown with both and how much better is the Xi platform than the original? I do not plan to sell this airplane and probably have at best, 13 years of flying left. If I elect to reduce some cost for this year’s work, I can either just upgrade the GTN’s and keep the S-Tec 65, or keep the GTN’s and swap the 65 for a 55X. Anyone have the S-Tec Yaw Damper? I am told it’s not needed for Dutch roll stability on a 337. Which pathway would you consider first, the autopilot or upgrade the GTN’s. Not sure how much better a 55X is than my 65. Disappointing to continue to hear that we are not getting a look from any of the digital manufacturers. Meanwhile, old models with much lower production runs, like the Cessna 303 (only 287 were ever built) are getting STC’s for them. Guess you have to know someone. Just curious to hear some thoughts. Thx

[YankeeClipper]

Keep in mind that Genesys keeps threatening to stop supporting the 55x. Two years ago when Covid-related supply chains were stirring up panic (and prices) they said (by phone anyway) that they were going to stop making new parts for it.

As for the 650xi--never heard of it but pretty sure it isn't on the radar for Garmin to add to their AML. They recently stated that they're currently working on the software, and would likely implement (once the bugs are squashed) as a GFC 600. That would be nice as I think it's an attitude-based platform.

[mdrob1985]

Thanks. All the components of my S-Tex 65 work on the 55X so I only need the main control box. They’re not super pricey for certified used units. I was just wondering if it was even worth the hassle/expense of swapping. The same with the Garmin nav setup. I currently have two GTN 650’s but wonder if I should exchange them for 650 Xi’s while they’re still giving a relatively good price to upgrade them? I’m looking to get 10-13 years out of this panel with hard IFR capability and then call it a day. I’m even considering adding an old KN 63a and radar altimeter. We have been told to expect a move to Alaska sometime this year. With the many mountains and frequent low vis on the coast, I want all the relevant upgrades and redundancy I can pack into that thing. Not sure the 55X swap is worth it and not sure the GTN 650 gps to 650 Xi gps is worth it.