What is the best replacement for the King 150 autopilot?

[n5756k]

Looking to replace my legacy King 150 autopilot. What is the best choice?

[kortopates]

Garmin GFC-500 - Many, many threads here on the GFC-500 - use google to help search.

[PT20J]

You might check on the Bendix-King AeroCruise 230 (NOT the nonexistent 100). I believe a few of these have been installed. It uses the old servos, so it should be cheaper because you don’t have to replace servos and wiring. However, those servos are expensive to repair if they do go bad and they are getting old. And there is a question about the quality of B-K support.

Garmin has excellent support for the GFC 500 and it is a great autopilot. Much of the autopilot software resides in the PFD so you need a G3X, G5s or GI 275s as part of the installation. 

Skip

[KSMooniac]

I'm not so sure the 230 is available to buy or install either.  I wonder if they're making new/replacement servos to support the instances where the old ones become unrepairable too.

I'm fortunate to have two shops with excellent repair capability local to me, Bevan Aviation and Mid-Continent Instrument.  Anyone considering choosing a new BK/Honeywell product might find it helpful to call either or both of these and talk about future support potential with old servos before making a choice.

I currently have an STEC-30 and don't like what I've read re: their 3100 upgrade that also retains old servos.  I'm still waiting on Dynon to finish their Mooney A/P before deciding which way I ultimately go when my time comes to upgrade.

[Mark M]

I am in the same situation.  My kFC 150 with the 197B alt pre-select is randomly turning off.   I believe it is related to the trim servo.   Regardless, it is the weakness in my 95 Ovation.   I already own a G5.   The Aspen Pro 1000, KFC 150, and 197B ar going and replacing with a G3X and the GFC 500 AP.

I believe I will go from liking my plane (6 Mooney I have owned) to loving it.   Not to mention the advanced safety 

After extensive research, I am convinced that the GFC 500 is the best choice 

[hubcap]

I went from the King KFC 200 to the Garmin GFC500.

The GFC 500 is amazing.

[rickseeman]

The nicest thing I can say about King is they are scum. Go Garmin GFC-500.

[WheelPantsOff]

Another vote for the GFC-500.  I'm not looking forward to the eventual expense, but when you fly King autopilots, it's like what the Flintstones are to driving.