Autopilot upgrade

[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.

[Galvine]

I reached out to Garmin again about the GFC 500 AP

They said “no new news, still no sooner than 2026, but we do still plan on covering it… cheers “


FYI

[mdrob1985]

Let’s hope, based on aircraft weight and performance that they actually do with the GFC 600 and not the 500. If they do come through on a solution.