Genesys 3100 - Autopilot

Cglencross · #1 02-07-23, 03:36 PM

Spoke with Barry Leblanc at Genesis.

They are willing to do a STC for the 3100 if:

Approximately 25 customers with $5000 down AT A DEALER and they would start the certification process.

Pricing would be

$25,000 for the 3100 as a new install (+install fees)
$12,900 for an upgrade from 55x to the 3100, factory re-worked and warrantied servos.

Which, I believe (correct me if I'm wrong), is more than the Garmin installed price as that is typically about 18000 and you would also need to include 5000 for GI 275......but at least they are entertaining us....and we could still work with other avionics manufacturers instead of being locked into the Garmin world (which admittedly is a pretty good world).

If people are serious, let me know and we will see if we can push this forward....other wise, we should continue to push Garmin.

Chris

Cglencross · #2 02-08-23, 01:49 PM

I just got this from Barry,

"Hi,

All of you own a Cessna 337 model. I am looking and gauging interest in a 3100 option. If you are interested, please read the following.

I am not sure if you know each other, but emails came in at about the same time. I am interested in your thoughts, and please reply.

The 3100 AP would be an outstanding bargain to get the benefits of a fully integrated digital autopilot, especially considering the additional safety features it will bring. The upgrade price will depend on the installed equipment for the aircraft owners with an S-TEC autopilot installed. Upgrades start at $10,995 retail.

The POH can be located at: https://genesys-aerosystems.com/prod...control-system

The most significant benefit of submitting a purchase order (early) is extending the 2-year warranty to 3 years for all new parts from the factory. Also, we are offering a 2-year warranty on any currently installed S-TEC servos. No matter how old they are. We ask that you send your servos back for a free checkup, modification status update, or repair.

The extended warranty offer is only valid until we gain the STC. Once that occurs, the regular warranty period will be offered.

Do you have a Dealer to work with to submit your purchase order? You can locate a dealer from the link:

https://genesys-aerosystems.com/dealer-locator

Genesys Aerosystems S-TEC 3100 autopilot STC process is determined by which model owners express interest.

I need 25 committed owners that place a 20% deposit with their S-TEC/Genesys Dealer.

If you are interested in helping secure an STC spot for your airframe, please respond to Barry.LeBlanc@genesys-Aerosystems.com.

The STC program would not start until we have 25 owners. Upgrades start at $10,995 and Full up systems at $25,995

Don't hesitate to get in touch with me directly with your questions.

With Best Regards,

Barry LeBlanc

Genesys Aerosystems
Regional Sales Manager
One S-TEC Way
Mineral Wells, Texas 76067
M: 940.327.0707
F: 940.325.8808
Website: www.genesys-aerosystems.com

Ryann · #3 02-08-23, 02:28 PM

I have my Genesys dealer setting up the 3100 purchase order and deposit now, sounds like I'm #3 of the 25 needed for Genesys to pursue the STC. I have no autopilot at all in a 1975 T337G (the original Cessna 400 series autopilot was removed altogether about a decade ago), and with the 60-2 being end-of-lifed at the end of 2022, I wasn't looking forward to the 55X being the only practical remaining option.

I last pinged Max Unruh @ Garmin on November 7, 2022, and got this back:

Quote:

Hi Ryan,

The Cessna 337 is on my "extended" list of aircraft that is always changing / moving around. So the short answer is that there is hope for the 337 someday. Unfortunately I cannot provide a timeline for you as this is all dynamic.

I would also encourage you to try to organize other Cessna 337 owners to do 2 things:

1. Please visit your Garmin dealer and let them know that even though its not certified - that 337 owners are anxious for a Garmin autopilot. This feedback generally makes it back to our Regional Sales Managers and then gets passed up from there.
2. Please have your 337 owners logon to the Garmin GFC website and volunteer their aircraft / log interest. This is a way to "vote" so to speak for your aircraft. The Website link is:

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/forms/a...certification/

Finally, let's find out how the Piper Seneca does with GFC 500. To this date it is the largest / heaviest (4750 lbs) aircraft that we've attempted certification on in the GFC 500 realm.

Thanks and let me know if you have any questions,

Max

-Ryan (N255)

Cglencross · #4 02-08-23, 03:10 PM

As per your email, I suggest we all register our planes with garmin too and pressure both sides.

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/forms/a...certification/

Ryann · #5 02-08-23, 04:57 PM

I'm dropping off a deposit check at my Genesys dealer this afternoon. The latest Email reply from Max Unruh @ Garmin a few minutes ago:

Quote:

Hi Ryan,

We do things a bit differently. We don't require a minimum number of deposits per se although knowing the numbers helps with our picture of overall demand.

Up to this point our tactic has been to follow the "demand" curve. The 337 is one of those aircraft where there is sufficient interest but the question is more of a when question. When will Garmin work through the numbers of aircraft that are above the 337 in priority. How long will it take to get there? I cant honestly answer that question. Our overall pace of GFC 500 approvals has slowed down a bit but we are still chewing through new certifications.

In other news I've recently changed positions and am no longer the dude at Garmin that does the priority list. We are interviewing a candidate next week and it will be in his hands to coordinate the troops in regards to what the GFC 500 priority list is and where the 337 falls.

Max

-Ryan (N255)

Cglencross · #6 02-09-23, 09:20 AM

I have another 2-3 guys (one has a 55x already) and they are willing to put in their $$ if we can get enough.

We are now up to 6-7 people....15-18 to go....

Chris

corybehl · #7 02-09-23, 12:42 PM

I'm Cory.

I manage an avionics shop in Southern Oregon. I just wanted to let you know if you are looking for a shop for the 3100 AP, we have done an STC for the 3100 for STEC already and are very familiar with the system.

We are already working with Ryann for the install once it is available.

www.bakeravionics.com
541-507-1007
3S8

mshac · #8 02-09-23, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corybehl

I'm Cory.

I manage an avionics shop in Southern Oregon. I just wanted to let you know if you are looking for a shop for the 3100 AP, we have done an STC for the 3100 for STEC already and are very familiar with the system.

We are already working with Ryann for the install once it is available.

www.bakeravionics.com
541-507-1007
3S8

Hello Cory, and welcome to the board! Thanks for joining.

The STC you did for the 3100, was it for a 337 or another aircraft type?

Will look forward to more posts from you!

corybehl · #9 02-09-23, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshac

Hello Cory, and welcome to the board! Thanks for joining.

The STC you did for the 3100, was it for a 337 or another aircraft type?

Will look forward to more posts from you!

This was on an Aerostar 601P. I have requested we do the STC for the 337 as well. Trying to get Ryann's to be the first one done.

B2C2 · #10 02-13-23, 08:55 PM

HI Cory. I have a 60-2 installed in a T337D. Do you have a swag at the upgrade cost from that autopilot to the 3100? Is it similar to the upgrade from 55X or a full install is needed?

Galvine · #11 06-20-23, 11:53 AM

Hello
I currently have a P337 under contract.
I have talked to Garmin and STEC and both have no plans to certify a new digital autopilot at this time.

I will be happy to add my name to the list and pay the $5,000 deposit to hopefully get one approved.

I have flown with several autopilot’s. After flying behind the Garmin GFC 600 AP, I’m totally convinced it makes flying safer.
The “envelope protection, (over bank, Level button) are real safety features.

Let me know how I can help make this a reality for the fleet.
Maybe it’s too late and no other paths forward ?

Thx

Greg

mshac · #12 06-20-23, 07:39 PM

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...