Autopilot Opportunity

[CenterlineT]

Done. Thanks for your efforts.

[GAdams]

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.

[kbecker]

Well, that sucks because my 400A needs to be replaced.

[patrolpilot]

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.

[mshac]

Originally Posted by patrolpilot

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.

I have the 60-2 with electric trim, altitude and vertical speed presets. Very nice to fly behind.

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!

[GAdams]

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.

[mshac]

Originally Posted by GAdams

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.

Don't forget the extended warranty, curb feelers, under-coating, mud flaps and window tint. The Finance Manager will see you now in his office.

[rmorris]

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.