Autopilot upgrade

[hayesjaj]

Originally Posted by Cglencross

I'm not sure why you need the 600. We don't need rudder bias and there are many planes out there that are approved that have equal or better performance than the 337. In addition, they have already approved the PA-34 and PA-30 so twins with asymmetric thrust are okay.

The only benefit of the 600 that I can see is you don't need a GI-275 (when I spoke with them they where not going to approve it with the G5).

Is there something I'm missing?

The 600 has more powerful actuators. A critical performance demonstration is required for certification where a test pilot takes the aircraft to maximum altitude, puts it in a dive (I think to some high % of VNE) and then commands an autopilot recovery. One of the Garmin engineers told me a few years ago they were concerned about the control forces required with the higher gross weight aircraft (think 4650 or 4700 for later models). I guess there were some issues with 210s in this regard. I know Senecas are just below that weight but their control forces are a little lighter than 210s/337s.

I've flown the 500 in 182s and 210s and can confirm it struggles a little bit with the heavier 210, at least in the examples I flew. Its brilliant in the 182 so hopefully they can make it work.

[Galvine]

Update on the GFC AP

I reached out to Garmin again about the GFC AP. They said “its still not on the short list, which means its over a year out to even begin”

I’m now leaning towards installing the STEC 55x at this point. Looks to me like it’s a couple years away from a STC approval, if it’s actually happens at all.

Greg

[Ryann]

Since still no news on Garmin, I pinged Genesys/Moog about S-TEC 55X availability. It appears it may only be available (at least as new) until this summer. Out of curiosity, has anyone done a 55X install on their 337 lately and have any numbers on what the installation ended up costing in addition to the $32,950 base price? The avionics dealer I've worked with previously has stopped doing any S-TEC installs so I haven't seen a quote lately.

Ryan

We are still manufacturing the 55x. The 2-axis system is $32,950 retail. Auto Trim is $5,792 retail. We plan to stop production this summer. Genesys expects to continue non-warranty 55X aftermarket support for the foreseeable future. Non-warranty 55X support beyond 30 September 2027 however is not assured.

Also assuming that you actually have a T337G, marketed as a P337G.

Best Regards,

Jack Somsen
Lead Regional Sales Manager
M: 940.452.4064
Email: jsomsen@moog.com

[Galvine]

I am in the middle of the install now ( STEC 55x)
I’m adding a couple GTN 650s so I’ll have to pull out what the Actual AP cost is

I’ll try to post at some point


Greg

[Ryann]

Originally Posted by Galvine

I am in the middle of the install now ( STEC 55x)
I’m adding a couple GTN 650s so I’ll have to pull out what the Actual AP cost is

Hi Greg - How did the cost work out on your 55X install?

[Galvine]

Sorry
I forgot to parce out the actual install cost of the AP itself
My avionics guy is now gone until March 31st
I’ll ask him specifically

He did itemize everything so I could get close , but I’ll see what he says and get back to you

Greg

[Burt]

I had a bid of $55,000 from Sarasota Avionics to install a new 55X in my 337A. This was about three years ago.