Autopilot Upgrade

[Roger O]

Hi everyone.  In my continued search to replace my C, I am looking for C, E, and F models.  Some of what I have seen have upgraded radios, but still have the original PC wing leveler.  If I purchased one of these, I would want to add a 2 axis (at least!) autopilot coupled to the navs.  Does anyone know if this type of install is "reasonable" in price and complexity?  I obviously understand that the type and manufacturer of the autoplilot does matter, but all I really want is the ability to track a nav signal, and at the top end of my wish list, couple to an ILS approach.

 

Thanks for all your help and advice!

 

Roger

[Hank]

It's possible to get a Brittain unit and hook it to a Garmin GPS. I have both AccuFlite and AccuTrak--one follows the heading bug, the other will fly an approach loaded on my 430W as long as I handle the altitude. So don't ignore those of us with functional PC systems.

 

On the other hand, I know people who have removed their PC and put in other autopilots. But this is a much more costly undertaking.

 

Besides, the PC system reduces the workload on just about every flight.

[Marauder]

Roger, adding an autopilot will be expensive. I made that decision back in the 90s with my F. I paid a little over $11k for an STEC 60-2 back then. That same installation today will cost you over $20k. If an AP is high on your want list, I would search out a plane for one already installed. Or if you have a plane you really want, just be prepared mentally that you won't get your money back out if you sell it.

I flew for 7 years without an autopilot in my Mooney. I installed it primarily for my family to at least give them a chance if something happened to me in flight. Once I installed the autopilot, I didn't realize how much of benefit it would provide. I don't think I would fly IFR again without it. Being able to set the AP to take over flying while I am getting updated weather or copying a new routing makes things a lot easier. The ability to track a precision approach is a nice feature and when I added the Aspen, I got GPSS which added even more utility to my autopilot.

The unfortunate thing is these systems are expensive to retrofit.

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[mikesalman]

I have a 68F with a Brittan B-5 3 axis auto pilot & the wing leveler. 8 on the paint and 9 on the interior Garmin 430 non was JPI 800 2700TT 700 on the engine Johnson bar w/manual hydraulic flaps and would like to trade up to a J or k

[AndyFromCB]

There is no such thing as a reasonable autopilot upgrade in the certified world. The best of the little ones, STEC 30 with a GPSS will set you back about $15K installed.

[scottfromiowa]

My Brittain is 100% certifed. Altitude hold just installed. I also have/had Accu-Trak and Accu-Flite installed. Of the three having a properly functioning PC with the Accu-Flite (Tracks heading bug) was the best investment. If my plane is trimmed it holds altitude pretty decent (talking VFR) the altitude hold is just a nice feature for long trips and work load moments. Try and get a plane with a functioning PC-preferably a later PC that is controlled on the T&B. Brittain will refab servos or do install on their ramp. We had our altitude hold installed in Tulsa. Took a couple of weeks, but that included servo re-furb to include step. I am WELL under $10AMU's for all (parts and labor) and I spread out over several years. Ebay was my friend. I located serviceable units a little at a time and paid minimal money. Sent to Brittain for refurb (again minimal money). Long X/C's are so much more a pleasure with the functioning auto-pilot. Wing-leveler is just a valuable safety quality of flight item.

Good luck in your search...

[Roger O]

Thanks for all your replys.  I have been flying IFR since 1976 (a long long time ago, when we still had TCA's!), and understand the benefit of an autopilot especially on long cross country flights.  Although I rarely fly hard IFR, even flying through the congested north east is a pleasure with "George" sharing the load.

 

I do agree from your recommendations that it would be best to but a plane with the autopilot already installed.  With that said, if anyone here has a C, E or F with updated avionics, reasonable engine and prop times, AND a coupled autopilot that is interested in selling, please PM me.  I am located near KDXR (Danbury CT).

 

Thanks again for all your help and advice, keep it coming!

 

Roger

[Marauder]

Thanks for all your replys.  I have been flying IFR since 1976 (a long long time ago, when we still had TCA's!), and understand the benefit of an autopilot especially on long cross country flights.  Although I rarely fly hard IFR, even flying through the congested north east is a pleasure with "George" sharing the load.

 

I do agree from your recommendations that it would be best to but a plane with the autopilot already installed.  With that said, if anyone here has a C, E or F with updated avionics, reasonable engine and prop times, AND a coupled autopilot that is interested in selling, please PM me.  I am located near KDXR (Danbury CT).

 

Thanks again for all your help and advice, keep it coming!

 

Roger

 

 

Like this?

 

 

Sorry, not done having fun...

[Danb]

Chris play nice!

[Marauder]

Chris play nice!

I am... I just happen to see a beautiful "O" on the ramp the other day and my gears started turning. Only for a moment though. My wife stuck a rather large pipe into those gears about that time.

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[Danb]

It hurts when that weakness hits...The last 2 Mooneys I bought I was not in the market for..kinda wish I still had my '88 J model..poop happens..I'm not allowed to drive by car lots anymore either

[Marauder]

I'm not allowed to drive by car lots anymore either

Tell me about it... I have a 2004 Corvette in the garage with 7,800 miles on. Looks nice next to the 2011 F350 and the TJ I drive most of the time. Vehicle addiction is worse than a narcotic one.

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[Danb]

I feel your pain. Same thing. 2007 SL550 gathering dust..I drive a cad escalade ext (pickup truck) and just throw my pennies down the gas pumps...

[Roger O]

Chris, so instead of teasing, how about offering to sell?

 

Roger

[DrBill]

Took me about 3-4 months to find one with all the avionics I wanted (gps, A/p w/alt hold, etc).  Found it wihin 100 miles at a fair price.

BILL

[Marauder]

Chris, so instead of teasing, how about offering to sell?

Roger

After looking at the Ovation up close, I might be tempted. Only problem is that after my wife found out about my plan, I wouldn't be alive to enjoy it.

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[KSMooniac]

After looking at the Ovation up close, I might be tempted. Only problem is that after my wife found out about my plan, I wouldn't be alive to enjoy it.

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Somewhere I heard a story and now I cannot remember who told it to me, but I'm pretty sure it was about such a Mooney upgrade... the wise husband got a new plane, and had it painted exactly like the old one so his wife wouldn't know!  She didn't fly with him, but occasionally saw it at the airport...

[Marauder]

Somewhere I heard a story and now I cannot remember who told it to me, but I'm pretty sure it was about such a Mooney upgrade... the wise husband got a new plane, and had it painted exactly like the old one so his wife wouldn't know! She didn't fly with him, but occasionally saw it at the airport...

Thanks Scott. Might work!

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[Hank]

Somewhere I heard a story and now I cannot remember who told it to me, but I'm pretty sure it was about such a Mooney upgrade... the wise husband got a new plane, and had it painted exactly like the old one so his wife wouldn't know!  She didn't fly with him, but occasionally saw it at the airport...

 

Or just tell her that you need to paint the plane, and show her "sketches" of the replacement. Viola! A nice, fast paint job!

 

The less she flies with you, the better either of these would work. My wife flies with me all the time, so I'm hosed. She also understands [but doesn't pay for or see the receipts from] fuel flow, at least the basics.

[carusoam]

Go O before the prices and interest rates start climbing....

Speculation 101,

-a-

[scottfromiowa]

Somewhere I heard a story and now I cannot remember who told it to me, but I'm pretty sure it was about such a Mooney upgrade... the wise husband got a new plane, and had it painted exactly like the old one so his wife wouldn't know!  She didn't fly with him, but occasionally saw it at the airport...

Wow, that is a wickedly clever deception...I could never pull that off. She's a banker/THE banker...

[stevesm20b]

I would like to find out where you can get an S-tec 30 with GPSS installed in a Mooney for 15,000. Most of quotes I got were closer to 18,000 without GPSS.

[scottfromiowa]

I would like to find out where you can get an S-tec 30 with GPSS installed in a Mooney for 15,000. Most of quotes I got were closer to 18,000 without GPSS.

I believe if you re-read the GPS-Steer was "added" later. The cost for the option and installation much later were not calculated by poster. Auto-pilots are EXPENSIVE, but AWESOME!

[Marauder]

I am not certain, but when I checked some of the online prices, the new Genesys prices looked lowered than I remembered. On top of it, they are running a 15% rebate into early June. Hope I'm right.

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