Century Autopilot

[Mac80]

Wanted to thank fellow aviators for recommending overhauling my Century 2000 versus replacement with new unit.  You were correct. It is fixed and cost is less than down payment on new autopilot + install.

Took it to Matt Greer Century’s principle installer. Stayed at Magpie bed and breakfast in Mineral Wells Texas for 3 good days just after Labor Day  and the autopilot is better than when I got the I first got the N981SM in mid 2000. Great service at the city run FBO. Matt installed the same  Autopilot for King Aviation Schools in 1994. It is the same red and white KS plane, now green with gold and red strips, featured in their flying IFR series. Pretty satisfied that some of the autopilot components have lasted 28 years. 

Had servos/computer worked on in 2007. Local shop sent computer, servos, and instruments to Century. Shotgun approach no real problem shooting or diagnostic equipment like they have in Mineral Wells.

Matt is able to run diagnostics inside the aircraft while setting on tarmac. Ran thru approach sequences and can see how servos reacted to inputs from his portable radio device.  Found problems with slow roll servo and trim and trouble shot trim switches. Also demonstrated better than I had ever known how to use AP features, including the autopilot interrupt which none of my instructors showed me or I forgot.

Put in two new  trim switches with wires, rebuilt roll servo, replaced trim circuit board in computer think bad trim switch shorted the board, tested attitude gyro and director gyro per my request on bench which were good.

Had one disconnect issue in 5 hours flying. Not sure why that happened may have touched something that interrupted the autopilot. That was a primary concern before in hot weather the AP disconnected in flight only. Have some minor operational issues with selecting altitude hold and heading. Appears I need to select 100 feet prior to desired altitude, 7400 feet for 7500 level flight and couple degrees left on directional gyro, to my desired heading.

Overall the autopilot has never been so smooth and fast for me nor held heading, guide slope, localizer, attitude and altitude so well in summer thermals. Very impressed and have full confidence again and can go to partial panel and hand fly which I will practice.

Having glitchy transponder replaced next week, so I will be able to fly in clouds and navigate again with confidence. 

Thanks again for members support and advice and Mooney space for maintaining the forums.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[carusoam]

Great pirep for Century Autopilots the company, Mac!

Thanks for sharing all of the details on how you got your AP back into condition.

Century sounds a lot more fun to work with than the likes of BK and STec…..   

Best regards,

-a-