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Almost a repeat of a previous post. ‘76 Ranger, AeroCruze 100 complete kit sitting on floor of hangar for past year. Unable to find anyone to install it. It’s getting weird. I’ve worked my way through the list of shops provided by Duncan that have experience with the install and are within four or so hours of Ohio. Almost all calls/emails start off well. “No problem, We’ve done several of these, 30-40 hours labor, etc”. Then I confirm I’d like to get on a schedule with a short list of questions about panel placement, options, normal stuff. Then I get ghosted. Subsequent emails or phone calls go unanswered or with a promise of a dated reply that never comes. If it one was one shop, OK. But EVERY shop so far. I understand no one is hungry but I’d rather be told on the front end the shop is too busy and good luck then having my hopes raised, time wasted, then starting from scratch AGAIN. Kind of like the old dating adage, wondering if it’s me or what might be going on. If anyone has any suggestions or referrals for a solid avionics shop that stays involved, I’d appreciate it. Spring is getting here quick and I’d like to figure out if there is an a/p install in my plane’s future so I can keep it. Or go ahead and get it on the market before it gets to winter again. Thanks again for the help.

M20F works on the original STC with minor mods ( if your installer is willing to do it) - I can share details if someone is interested… Dynon heading control works if you don’t have a source like GPS / Nav or Dynon FPL selected on the Dynon HSI… we hoped to have the Dynon AP on our M20F as this did not happen the Aerocruze is the only option and it is OK from a price to capability standpoint

The actual STC certificate from Duncan Aerocruze 100 STC says it covers all modals of the Mooney M20

Just waiting for the STC for my F model for either the Aerocruze or Trio. First one out wins my $....

Trying for a Hail Mary pass before selling my Mooney. Talked to Chris from Duncan Aviation, sounds like BK may eventually make a bracket for the pitch servo on my serial number Mooney, but no solid timeframe. He had mentioned hearing of several Ranger owners who had the -100 installed, their installers modified the pitch pushrod and servo bracket, covered under the STC, with good results. My original installer is not able to accomplish the mods. Currently I have a complete AeroCruze kit sitting in a box on my hangar floor. If any Ranger owners out there who have an installed AeroCruze 100 or know an owner that did, I’d appreciate a shout to gather info from your experience and a direction toward a shop who has done the work. The issue I’ve run into is my s/n 1213 has a different doubler under the cargo area vs earlier -C’s. The stock install kit does not work. If the hoops to install this a/p become too high, I’ll send the a/p back and sell the plane. For my type of flying, it’s a safety issue when carrying non pilot passengers. Appreciate the help…

So now it has been approved, does anyone have any PIREPs? Install time? Finished cost? How much they like it or not? Its on my wish list, but will wait until its a proven good thing

Looks like the AeroCruze saga will be a bust for me. Anyone considering this product, get all your ducks in a row before plunking down money. I had been waiting for this autopilot like most everyone else interested for several years. Paid full price and got in the queue once I heard Duncan had finally accomplished the STC. Waited over six months before the kit was delivered to my avionics shop. Flew 3.5 hrs down to drop my ‘76 Ranger off, came back a week later to fly 3.5 hrs back after finding out Duncan had not shipped a complete kit and didn’t bother telling anyone they were missing parts. Parts issue finally resolved, flew another 3.5 hrs down to try again. Once belly pan was off, the fuselage did not reflect any of the CAD, (not actual pictures) drawings for an install. Only one email was returned by Duncan writing they needed an IPC for the Ranger to see what’s up. PDF of Catalog was sent, that was the last we heard from Duncan and BK after numerous calls and emails. Indirectly I’ve come to understand the STC was pulled for further research. No pieces for the pitch servo bracket will fit a stock ‘76 M20C Ranger serial 1213. It’s also no guarantee the AeroCruze100 will fit ANY Mooney. My shop is going to try a J next and said they are already noticing differences not accounted for in the instructions. Now I have to fly the 3.5 back home, “empty handed” but wallet lightened after 14 hours of flying to and from a place I had no other interest visiting. The “Hail Mary” pass will be a nearby sheet metal guy who is supposed to stop by as well as a local DER to see if the bracket could be modded or recreated to work in the future . That is however ANOTHER 7 hour round trip plus the unknown added costs of the sheet metal work and DER inspection/drawings without guarantees it will even work. This latest boondoggle has run me right up against a previously scheduled date to begin the annual. I’m pulling the plug, sending the AeroCruze back for a deserved refund, and hopefully passing on fair warning to the rest of the dreamers. Make sure the STC is actually done, AND it covers your exact serial number, AND you have pictures of the mount points to share with your installer and the CAD instructions before you invest a lot in wasted hours, gas, and frustration…

I was hoping something like this would have waited a bit longer. I’ve been saving for a big hit but it seems when I go off plan (like leather yokes or autopilot), that is when an event happens. IRAN will freshen things up. I’ve pretty much have done all the other Items as I went along (progressively trying to be ahead of maintenance where it makes sense). I’m just glad I can do this much now. Bottom end should be good, basically new top end. If all goes well, I should still have leeway later to get the AeroCruze installed. Parts go to the shop tomorrow. The AP/IA doing the engine IRAN has decades of experience (semi-retired last year), has built 3 experimental aircraft (and is building one now), and offered to do this for me (5 years I’ve been going to them). The other AP/IA (who bought the other out) has lots of experience too - but likes to do avionics ;o). Thanks for checking in! -Don

Hi Cliffy - actually the Aerocruze WILL follow the Dynon heading bug - you just have to DE-select any Source like Skyview or external GPS on the HSI then it will follow selected heading in skyview mode! Works pretty good on ours!

Final test flight today- All went perfect! Dynon controls the A/P IF you want Aerocruze 100 control head can do the same. Holds altitude solid in smooth air and within 20-30 feet in all turns large and small in light turbulence A/P will follow any flight plan in the Dynon (direct to or with waypoints) Dynon will control lateral direction via the magenta line ONLY! (CDI / HSI or "direct to")) It will not control it by the heading bug! Heading (in reality GPS track and not a true heading) you will need to revert to the A/P control head (a couple button pushes) Dynon does a fine job of driving the A/P in the vertical mode. Climbs, descents, alt captures all work fine Manual trim is necessary as you change airspeed, level off etc as it would without an A/P The Trim indicator is very sensitive and you will learn to trim to extinguish the trim called for and then tap the wheel the way it wants you to trim to get the indicator to extinguish BUT it will come back on if you sustain an up or down draft that stays a while. This has been reported on many websites. You will just get used to trimming till the light goes out double check with tap on the wheel and then forget about until descent. You will try a few times to see how far out the pitch trim is by holding the wheel and disconnecting with the wheel disconnect but you will see that the trim indicator is on when very little pressure is on the wheel. ALWAYS HOLD THE WHEEL IF YOU USE THE CONTROL WHEEL DISCONNECT SWITCH just in case it is way out of trim. This goes for any airplane with an autopilot. A couple of items to bear in mind- When setting up the serial out ports from the Dynon to feed the Aerocruze will need 2 unused serial port OUTS (the Ins can be OFF) One goes to the A/C TT Serial RS 232 in pin and the other goes to pin #18 "Skview" feed. Each has a different serial "sentence" that it needs to feed the A/P Its in the install manual and the 'Interface " manual In particular the feed to pin #18 on the A/P HAS to be "Dynon ADAHRS +System" When programming the ports on the Dynon you will NOT see the sentence on the first screen list- you MUST use the right big knob to track down to the next page to find it Below is just for pin 18 setup (The other pin has a different serial sentence to input) Interface Setup Interface with the Dynon SkyView is relatively simple. It requires an additional RS-232 serial connection to the autopilot from the Dynon D1000 or D700. Each SkyView screen contains five (5) serial ports. This interface will require an unused serial port to be available on the SkyView display. Which serial port is used doesn’t matter. The settings required for the serial port are shown below. 1) Set output device to DYNON ADAHRS + SYSTEM 2) Set In /Out Baud Rate to 9600 3) Input device can be set to OFF as this is unused for this interface 4) Autopilot baud rate MUST be set to 9600 as well. NOTE: This will also affect the primary serial input of the autopilot, which is connected to the GPS. If using a portable GPS, be sure to reset the GPS output baud rate to be 9600 as well. Pay attention to the wiring diagram as far as reversing the elevator servo wires. It shows how to do it in the install manual DO IT or else you will be in reverse sensing for pitch. If you are a computer nerd this installation will be easy if you are like me it will take some effort decipher the computer geek directions. Once installed and working it seems to work as good as any small airplane A/P with its own limitations.

Use the Dynon HDX (7" or 10") Use the Aerocruze for the autopilot and if you need IFR capability (I don;t) add in a WAAS GPS navigator to feed the system (you might already have a compatible one installed). I have almost 2 complete Brittian systems in my hangar (none in the airplane, not needed). I'll probably have a complete flight report next week but the first 2 check flights show good right now.

Aerocruze is built in and doesn't need an external gyro its built in but not mechanical It does require a GPS navigator either WAAS or even a hand held GPS with serial data feed out. The Dynon HDX will drive the Aerocruze with the Dynon head controls OR you can just use the Aerocruze knobs if you want.

The aerocruze should have a built-in one. GFC500 requires a G5 G5 provides a ‘heading and alt hold’ mode using the bugs when in External mode on the AeroCruze… -Don

Gonna ask a dumb question here, but..... Does the AeroCruze 100 include an internal inertial (micromechanical gyro) package for stability control? And does the Garmin GFC500 rely on on external inertial package? (say, provided by a G5?)

Duncan is shipping my kit out today! For those curious, I purchased the flat pack. The price included a 3% cc fee, $200 STC fee, and sales tax so the total was $7926.77 (~$22 for shipping included). The Garmin GFC500 was priced at $11930.50 ( not including shipping as it depends where it is shipped from) for a 2 axis kit for comparison… The installation price is the same for both per my avionics shop - currently for my plane at around $4500.00 Garmin: $16430.50 installed NOTE: I already have G5 and GNC 355 so that cost is not included. The G5 adds about $4K to $5k more for a single G5. AeroCruze: $12426.77 installed. G5 is optional but I would want it too… Overall, ~$4000 difference -Don

Planes at annual now, getting the cylinder replaced, IFR certs, quick drain replaced, electric step actuator replaced. Planning the auto pilot - repriced the Garmin for Mooney and it’s $10,700. Flap Pack AeroCruze 100 is $7100 with STC. For now, AeroCruze is it for me. Contacted Duncan today for the status. Will be placing order once I know… -Don

Curious if those shops are all Garmin dealers? I haven't met one yet that doesn't trash talk every other brand. I've installed an Aerocruze in a M20J coupled to an Aspen, and it's rock solid.

Since you’re not in a hurry, perhaps just wait on the AeroCruze STC. Add someone’s takeoff WAAS navigator (or a new GPS175), and a couple of AC-30-C or G5. You’ll have a fabulous IFR machine for a $20k investment. Do I prefer big glass? Sure, but as long as Ive got a reliable way to get the info I need, I’m good. Frankly I’m a better hand flyer on a traditional 6 pack (albeit digital) than a big glass presentation. I don’t do intentional IMC without an autopilot. That’s a me thing…clearly not hanging you up…but once an affordable 2 axis is approved, that’s a lot of bang for the buck.

Not to rain on your plans, but I'm not sure that will be much of an upgrade, considering how old all of those components are and it does not seem you have any installation documents or drawings to assist. You will need all of the brackets and other accessories, not just servos. You would also need an STC Authorization (at least in the US) and I doubt that can be issued these days. Perhaps an avionics shop might have some original documents in deep storage somewhere, but I suspect you will not have much luck. I would also add people upgrade autopilots when their old system becomes unreliable, so the chances of finding working components is far below 100%. The only modern upgrade options are the Garmin GFC 500, Dynon, and BK Aerocruze 100 as far as I know today. Installation labor will be similar for any new autopilot installation, even an old Century system, so in my opinion it makes little sense to spend so much installing old equipment. If you have your heart set on an old Century, your path might be to buy a complete salvage Mooney that has that system so you can get everything you need, and you would have a pattern to work from during the installation. 10+ years ago I bought a salvage J with a KFC 200, but was not even remotely tempted to transplant that system into my J with a less-capable, but simpler STEC-30. Good luck with whatever you decide. I think it would be wiser to spend more for a modern option.

Two steps back for every one step forward. Was making progress on the AeroCruze issue and now I have an engine stumper. 76 Ranger with the O360 and PowerFlow exhaust has started an intermittent stumble during climb out at MP’s above 25”. It’s not audible, no backfiring, but I can feel a vibration come and go, almost like when there is a little water in the fuel. Mag checks at run up and cruise power are perfect, no change from last 100 hours. Single point CHT and EGT needles are right where they always are. Adjusting mixture mildly doesn’t affect it. Once I’ve either climbed past 25” of MP or reduced throttle below that number, it either becomes imperceptible or goes away. Slightly reducing throttle to back off the enrichment circuit doesn’t seem to affect it either. A mechanic who used to maintain the aircraft years ago felt it was an exhaust spring issue, broken or weak. There is also some play in the throttle bushing where it goes to the enrichment circuit. Bunch of avenues to pursue but I don’t have an open checkbook to follow them all. Looking to see if anyone here has had similar issues or more trouble shooting ideas. I’ve checked carb heat, mags, prop balance, temps, no water in fuel, spark plugs, everything nominal. Except for this one issue, Ranger runs like a champ as always. Appreciate the help…

Mooney owners who have been waiting for the Bendix King AeroCruze 100 (TruTrak) should all go to https://www.thestcgroupllc.com/pages/stc-autopilot-interest-list and express their interest in that product for their Mooney. I've flown in a friend's Piper with a Trio and it's a great autopilot at a reasonable price.

Curious to know if anyone with an AeroCruze 100 and M20C is having the same new problem. ‘76 M20C Ranger. Paid for AP kit some time ago. Kit arrived last month at my avionics shop. Scheduled the install and flew the Mooney down. A day later get a call from shop, aileron pushrods for Aero Cruze aren’t in kit. A call to Duncan was made and apparently not all Mooney’s have the same aileron linkage length, and of course the airplane used for the STC is different from mine. The whole kit is held up by the need for slightly shorter pushrods which we were told needs to be re-STC’d. No predictions or guesses when that will take place. Back to square one.

I may have missed the Dynon A/P as I am talking Aerocruze 100 Reading late at night after along day has its problems with comprehension :-) Reading English is a skill easily lost! Sorry But for those thinking of the BK 100 my thoughts ring true For so long we had nothing and now we are flooded with possibilities- so confusing :-) OH well back to the drawing board!

Thanks for the encouragement, Cliffy. I want to confirm we're talking about the Dynon autopilot and not the Bendix King Aerocruze 100?

Planning some panel upgrades for an M20M and see the options are rather limited. I've got the Avidyne 440/540 combo, currently the KFC150 with Altitude/V/S select. Looking at the AeroCruze 230 as it appears to be only one of two certified for the M20's Looking at Aspen's maybe a 1000/500 combo as well. Any feedback on these?