drew900 Posted November 4, 2016 Report Posted November 4, 2016 Back in August I encountered an issue with our KFC 200 autopilot where it would no longer engage and did not give any beeps when pushing the test button. The avionics shop pulled the computer and trim servo to send off to Mid-Continent for diagnosis. Mid-Continent said the computer was good, but that the trim servo had a bad test circuit relay. The replacement part was not available domestically and we were quoted $2k just to replace the relay (no overhaul). Our avionics shop recommended not doing the repair and to attempt to locate an overhauled KS-272A, since one could be had for a similar price. We’re still searching for the correct replacement KS-272A (P/N 065-0061-11) with no luck so far. The real kicker is that the electric trim works just fine and it’s just the bad test circuit relay holding the autopilot back from being usable. Any thoughts on other avionics shops that may have the correct part on hand or other methods of repair? Anybody have a replacement trim servo laying around? Hand flying is fun and all, but we're ready to have a working autopilot again. Thanks
carusoam Posted November 4, 2016 Report Posted November 4, 2016 Welcome on your first post, Drew. Take a look into auto pilots central. Use the search box at the top of your browser. They seem to be a pretty skilled shop. I have not had any need to use them thus far. when you said you don't get any beeps when you push the test button... are you aware that each individual beep has a meaning for what is working? Missing a beep in the order is a direction of what needs help. The autopilot user manual has some details on that. BK does a nice job of supplying docs on line for that. Best regards, -a-
KSMooniac Posted November 4, 2016 Report Posted November 4, 2016 Try Bevan-Rabell in Wichita too. They have a very good bench tech with autopilot savvy and might have some inventory.Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
CaptRJM Posted November 8, 2016 Report Posted November 8, 2016 You shouldn't have a hard time locating a 272A. Mine had a internal problem with the auto trim switches. Similar problem as you, I could get the part but overhaul would have cost me more than finding one on the shelf. Mid Continent wanted over $3K to overhaul. My shop found one for $1700 by doing a little digging.
flyboy0681 Posted November 8, 2016 Report Posted November 8, 2016 On 11/3/2016 at 10:41 PM, carusoam said: Take a look into auto pilots central. Use the search box at the top of your browser. They seem to be a pretty skilled shop. We just had our KAP 150 serviced by APC and they were not only reasonable and honest, but turned the unit around quickly. Since they specialize in these old King units, they can more than likely locate hard to find parts. 1
drew900 Posted November 11, 2016 Author Report Posted November 11, 2016 Thanks for the help. I'll be giving a few of these avionics shops a call to see what they say for repair. We've been able to locate a new old surplus KS-272A, but that's going for $4k. Trying to see what our repair options are before going that route. For the test function beeps, I know that a minimum of 4 beeps is need per our flight manual to ensure proper operation, but have not found any more info on what a different number of beeps means.
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