201Mooniac

Mine ended up at around $17.5K but that is still a big bill to pay if you are happy with your existing AP.

Agreed, I'm not sure why Garmin hasn't gone for it, it would be a killer solution for so many aircraft.

True for attitude indicator but it can for the HSI.

I'm not sure why you say this but I currently connect my iPad to both my FS210 for flightplan transfer, weather, traffic, and AHRS and also to my PMA-8000 BTi for audio. Since they use difference bluetooth profiles, both connections are possible.

When I click on that link I don't see the installation manual, just the AML, AFMS, POH and ICA.

The certified G3X installation manual is not posted on Garmin's site anywhere I could find it. I guess it is in the dealer area. I would imagine someone will find one though.

Just be aware that link is to the manuals for the experimental version. In a certified airplane, you would add the GFC-500 autopilot to a G3X and G5. Both can drive the autopilot and they back each other up. The GFC-500 is really is the same thing though as described above as it is just the GMC-507 mode controller and the GSA-28 servos. The trim servo is just one more GSA-28. While no hardware really seems to change, it is just the means of certification that makes the distinction here.

Yes, the original 8000 also had it. According the Mark from PSE, the FAA made them change it when they went to the 8000 B and since then (I have an 8000 BTi) it needs to be set on each power up. Come to think of it, I don't know how it responds on the 8000 G however when I brought this up to the sales guy at the AOPA expo at LVK earlier this summer he agreed only the 450 enabled it to be saved across reboots. Maybe he was just trying to upsell me.

Just for completeness, PSE only allows that on the 450 audio panels, not the 8000 audio panels.

True enough, mine did not include the G5 but was a 4 servo install.

Definitely not the mid 20K range, mine (M20J) was right about $17.5K

Congratulations, sounds like a great setup and you'll love it and never even miss the money from your bank account :-)

The YD is not necessary on an M20J but it is nice in turbulence. It was about a $2.5K add on for me.

Adding the YD afterwards is fairly easy in this installation as no wiring needs to go from the yaw servo up front, it is a continuation of the CANBUS and can be added from the pitch servo. I did find that in moderate turbulence it is a noticeably better ride but in just slight bumps with no one in the back, it isn't so important. It is fairly inexpensive though while you are in there so I did it anyway.

Yes, that was me. As I mentioned, there was a change in the wing starting at serial number 24-1301. The roll servo bracket that was initially certified was for the later wing and Garmin had to modify the bracket and get it certified so it would work in the early serial number wings.

In what way? It's an incredibly sturdy install that while complex (this install has all 4 servos) is rather straightforward to install given the Garmin bracketry. The wiring is also extremely simple. The only install issue for me was I was the first 201 with a serial number below 24-1301 and Garmin hadn't realized there was a change in the wing at that point that required a modification to the roll servo bracket. Garmin came to the shop, did the modification, and got it certified in about 2 weeks which only added a week to the completion date. Extremely good customer service.

I have a bunch of pictures from my M20J install. Happy to answer any questions I can:

If he doesn't have one, I might, I'll need to check my hangar.

Must be a GTX-345 thing, with my GDL-88 (with integrated TAS-600) I get many visual alerts and just a few audio alerts.

Could be, I haven't had anyone in the back yet. Maybe I'll ask my wife to fly back there this weekend and see what she says.

I installed the YD since it didn't add that much to the total install but on the mid-body it is probably less important though still ueful. It is nice to see coordinated turns when the AP is flying.

Well I'm certainly not an influencer (though I am an early adopter) but I have found Garmin support to be excellent. While installing a GFC-500 in my M20J, the shop found out that there were some changes in the wing after the early serial numbers (24-0001 - 24-1031 I believe) and that meant the roll servo brackets did not fit properly. Garmin made two visits to the shop to modify the brackets and then fit and test them and got all the paperwork for the change approved in 2.5 weeks. I was very impressed with how quickly and professionally they responded.

Don, very glad to hear your problem has been resolved. You sound as happy with your GFC-500 now as I am with mine. It is great to hear about the support you got from Garmin on this.

Well not a long body like Don's but the install in my M20J is complete and I picked the plane up on Friday and it works flawlessly. I've flown 7.5 hours with it since and I'm incredibly impressed. It flies the plane very smoothly and accurately. I have flown 6 approaches now and they were all perfect, even with strong winds and bumpy air. While I still have a lot to learn about how to use it to it's fullest, I am thrilled with everything I've experienced so far. It is worlds better than the 55x it replaced. Also, I have nothing but great things to say about Garmin's support given the issues the shop had with the roll servo brackets that needed to be modified and approved. Garmin got it all done in 2.5 weeks and came by the shop to fit the modified bracket and test it in place in order to expedite the approval.

For any early M20J owners out there (serial numbers 24-0001 through 24-1037, Garmin this morning approved Installation Bulletin 1954 Rev A which describes how to modify and install the roll servo lower bracket and roll servo plate so it will fit properly in those aircraft as they have internally mounted access panels. This is what I was waiting for to get my GFC-500 install completed. Can't wait to fly it!