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  #1  
Unread 01-05-23, 10:48 PM
GAdams GAdams is offline
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We've been talking about autopilots on this site for years now. I believe we do not have enough numbers for an autopilot manufacturer to be interested in providing an economic solution nor digital autopilot offering for us. But take a look at what's happening. Garmin wants to install complete packages mainly to the OEMs but will do a complete package for somebody with deep pockets. Genesys by definition is marketing to the aftermarket. The 3100 is a big success and it is replacing a large amount of the 55x. What's happening to those units? Genesys I heard makes the 55X owner trade in their autopilot on the 3100. The 55X is piling up on the floor of Genesys. You can't buy one from eBay and install it without an STC from Genesys. Maybe go to the factory and suggest they remanufacture the 55X and sell them to the Skymaster community for a deep discount. With the STC. As if we were helping them out with the "Big Problem" they are having with all those 55Xs piling up. Worth a shot. The dealer will have to be involved and will want some say in the installation in order to sign off the STC. But a Mom and Pop, decent autopilot installer, might answer the call for the actual labor for the install. Not exactly a straight path but a possibility.
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Unread 01-06-23, 08:24 AM
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patrolpilot patrolpilot is offline
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Been through all of this and offered up my airplane to both Garmin (600) and Genesys (3100), along with all costs. They are not the least interested in the Skymaster. I get it, though. Have you looked at the average Mixer? In my travels across the country, I see 337s on various ramps, and almost all encounters are examples are spent airframes. Sure the pretty ones are in hangars and cared for, but I am willing to bet the majority are at their end. Not good. Remember that those of us represented here have a very unusual interest in an airplane that is a 43-year-old airplane at best.

I've been thinking the same as GAdams as of late; about all those 55 that have been traded in.

For me, right now, my 400A is still great. When I was last at APC, I bought a spare G-519-A Attitude Indicator and had APC calibrate it to my airplane. Sure enough, it failed earlier this year. I slipped it into the panel, and my autopilot never knew something had changed. I plan to schedule another visit to APC this year to ensure everything looks good.

My airplane is in the shop right now with everything out of it. An Aspen 2500 Evolution Pro system is being installed. I decided to stick with my two 430Ws as they went through the Garmin refurbishing two years ago. The AI does have to remain in the panel, but there is very little between the panel and the firewall now. The airplane is scheduled to be out of the shop in 20 days. The picture is back from mid-December.

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The 400A needs the AI pitch and roll, but the Aspen system can handle all navigation inputs from there.

This is probably it for me; I'm 69 and will ride the airframe out from here. The simplest of parts could end an airplane. I'm constantly chasing components, it seems. Also, it is getting tough to find someone who can work on the airplane without paying to train them as they gain experience. Most shops I've contacted are not interested in the work.

Last edited by patrolpilot : 01-06-23 at 08:26 AM.
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  #3  
Unread 01-11-23, 11:58 AM
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YankeeClipper YankeeClipper is offline
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Just spoke with Genesys about this. The reason they have discontinued the 30/40/50 systems is simply that they can't get parts orders filled. As reported, they still have orders from early '22 that are unfulfilled, with no known ETA.

This also meant, as the rep confirmed, that if your current 30/40/50 has an issue, and it requires a component for which they no longer have stock, you may be looking at an AP replacement.

I intend to call about getting an STC for the 3100s to put in my part for encouragement on that front.
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