Bendix King KFC230 EASA STC’d

[Airways]

As the title says; it’s certified in Europe with a whole lot of acft models (Mooneys!) included in the STC.

 

So, did anybody install this magic box already in its Mooney ?  Are there PIREPs available yet ?

[Oldguy]

I'm sitting here with checkbook in hand waiting for it to play nicely with my Aspen. Once they certify it will, I am ready to go!

[flyboy0681]

Is it possible, just possible, that BK finally got something right?

[Airways]

In theory, this should sell pretty good.  Let’s wait for the pricing.

If BK has the intention to make this a succes then they should be all over the Aspen integration. Those two products are destined to work in harmony.

[mike_elliott]

2 minutes ago, Airways said:

In theory, this should sell pretty good.  Let’s wait for the pricing.

If BK has the intention to make this a succes then they should be all over the Aspen integration. Those two products are destined to work in harmony.

10K slide in replacement includes 2 year warranty on existing servos per BK website. Aspen and BK have been "friends" for a long time, Integration should be at the top of their list. Yaw dampener extra. Blue button standard

[Airways]

That is very reasonable. IAS hold is still under development, but the package as it is now looks pretty good to me.  

[kortopates]

Anybody find out what new modern brushless motor design servo's will run to replace our existing cost? Or how much to add on the yaw Damper servo? When I've inquired in the past I never got answer back but that while certification was in progress.

Edited April 24, 2020 by kortopates

[mike_elliott]

3 minutes ago, kortopates said:

Anybody find out what new modern brushless motor design servo's will run to replace our existing cost? Or how much to add on the yaw Damper servo? When I've inquired in the past I never got answer back but that while certification was in progress.

I dont have any idea either, Paul. I would run the old ones till death with new 2 year warranty, possibly getting new brushless ones if the old ones die in the extended warranty, or for a slight upcharge.

[kortopates]

1 minute ago, mike_elliott said:

I dont have any idea either, Paul. I would run the old ones till death with new 2 year warranty, possibly getting new brushless ones if the old ones die in the extended warranty, or for a slight upcharge.

That would be my plan as well but would like to have a better idea of future cost new servo's would run. It also concerns me about future support that they're still not yet offering complete install packages but I guess this is just taking them time to certify all the existing fleet first which does make sense. It does really look good on paper.

[gsxrpilot]

I'm with @Oldguy. The day that KFC230 will talk to my Aspen, I'll buy one. The M20K was the first Mooney STC'd and has been since August 2019. 

[aviatoreb]

54 minutes ago, kortopates said:

That would be my plan as well but would like to have a better idea of future cost new servo's would run. It also concerns me about future support that they're still not yet offering complete install packages but I guess this is just taking them time to certify all the existing fleet first which does make sense. It does really look good on paper.

I agree.  It would be good to know how much, and even if, modern servos would be available. If they are to be available, and at a reasonable price, then great, there is an upgrade path.  Drop in replace.  Then replace servos with brushless later as needed. But if a KFC230 without brushless servos then strands the install still in old tec but perhaps yes please still if it works, then good.  However, King has a recent record of gouging.  Will brushless servos become available but something stupid price, maybe 10k per servo? I don't put that past them.  Or no brushless servos but old school servos for 10k?  And blocking shops from doing overhauls (as they already attempted to do once, even though the overhaul shops do a significantly better job than the factory or factory new).  And prices for maintenance - I have been shocked with trim switch on yoke for $2500 three years ago - (but after much shopping I found new old stock for something like 1k).  Oh yeah and the 10 year to STC for the KIA300?! No thanks.  So with this company I love the idea of drop in replacements, but I would want a complete upgrade path clear and in place before I trust them.  

Edited April 24, 2020 by aviatoreb

[Airways]

Who is to take the initiative ? Aspen or BK ?