Dynon Autopilot for M20J/K approved!

[ArtVandelay]

So if This is 34.5K plus install costs, what do we expect it to cost in a stock J total? 

$50K.

[Pinecone]

On 10/26/2024 at 7:00 PM, ArtVandelay said:

$50K.

Really?   $15,500 for installation?

At a shop rate of $100 per hour, that is 155 hours, or about 4 weeks full time for one tech.

[ArtVandelay]

Really?   $15,500 for installation?
At a shop rate of $100 per hour, that is 155 hours, or about 4 weeks full time for one tech.

Well, you need to remove the interior, a lot of the inspection plates, etc.
Then remove the old autopilot and other avionics, the old wiring harnesses, antennas, etc. Labeling the remaining wires as you go.
It would not surprise me if that takes 2-3 days and that’s before installing anything.
$100/hour? I think that’s pre-covid rates.
Then you have to cut the panels, placards, etc. He was showing GPS, 2 panels, bunch of auxiliary switch panels, AP…

It took 100 hours for my G3X and GFC500, so add about 50% for GPS (which has connections to everything). It could be less if Dynon has pre built wiring harnesses and AP servos (there’s only 2) don’t require much work. I am not familiar with Dynon installations.

Then there’s configuration options, like calibration of the fuel gauges (a rather elaborate process), etc.

It might be less, I like to hear from someone who has actually had it done.

[LANCECASPER]

47 minutes ago, ArtVandelay said:

Well, you need to remove the interior, a lot of the inspection plates, etc.
Then remove the old autopilot and other avionics, the old wiring harnesses, antennas, etc. Labeling the remaining wires as you go.
It would not surprise me if that takes 2-3 days and that’s before installing anything.
$100/hour? I think that’s pre-covid rates.
Then you have to cut the panels, placards, etc. He was showing GPS, 2 panels, bunch of auxiliary switch panels, AP…

It took 100 hours for my G3X and GFC500, so add about 50% for GPS (which has connections to everything). It could be less if Dynon has pre built wiring harnesses and AP servos (there’s only 2) don’t require much work. I am not familiar with Dynon installations.

Then there’s configuration options, like calibration of the fuel gauges (a rather elaborate process), etc.

It might be less, I like to hear from someone who has actually had it done.

Paging @Jesse Saint who has done more of these than probably anyone else.

[231MJ]

Four years ago my panel was 75 hours @ $110/hour and I took out ALL the interior.  No AP but it was pre-wired for the AP.  Removing all the old wiring is very time consuming and if it's done wrong re-wiring is required - my shop knows...  I thought it was very reasonable, and I doubt this pricing is available today.  Dynon does simplify the wiring with the network hubs and pre-wired cables but it's still a lot of work to connect the GPS, audio panel, nav/com, etc.  My view, $15,000 to install the panel shown on the Dynon website is reasonable.   I think Dynon v. Garmin is like Pepsi and Coke.  I like Dynon and Pepsi and I would do Dynon again, even with the wait for the AP.  (I hope the upload of my panel works - I seem to mess it up most of the time)

 

 

[cliffy]

When I did my Dynon flush I was able to negotiate it at 90 hrs. They told me they wouldn't go that low again.

They did the removal of ALL the old equipment and the complete install - HDX 10", comm., xponder, ADSB, Audio panel,

STBY Horz, EMS system and retain Comm #2, everything! 

Just the initial programming will take a few hours. 

 

[ArtVandelay]

When I did my Dynon flush I was able to negotiate it at 90 hrs. They told me they wouldn't go that low again.
They did the removal of ALL the old equipment and the complete install - HDX 10", comm., xponder, ADSB, Audio panel,
STBY Horz, EMS system and retain Comm #2, everything! 
Just the initial programming will take a few hours. 
 

No GPS?!

[cliffy]

Using the Dynon built in non-WASS GPS   Don't need WASS and GPSS steering for my flying

I learned a long time ago the shortest distance between two places is a straight line- "Direct To"  works good for me. 

I've done all the ice, 200 & 1/2s and CAT IIIs I ever want to do. 

SE IMC holds nothing for me at this juncture in my life. 

The next day is always clear skies.  

What part of RETIRED don't you understand :-)

I do a lot of flying at 1500 AGL Like Sun n Fun to Santa Fe NM  2 years ago. 

The next owner can install something if he wants as I left room just for that occasion. 

[Pinecone]

16 hours ago, ArtVandelay said:

Well, you need to remove the interior, a lot of the inspection plates, etc.
Then remove the old autopilot and other avionics, the old wiring harnesses, antennas, etc. Labeling the remaining wires as you go.
It would not surprise me if that takes 2-3 days and that’s before installing anything.
$100/hour? I think that’s pre-covid rates.
Then you have to cut the panels, placards, etc. He was showing GPS, 2 panels, bunch of auxiliary switch panels, AP…

It took 100 hours for my G3X and GFC500, so add about 50% for GPS (which has connections to everything). It could be less if Dynon has pre built wiring harnesses and AP servos (there’s only 2) don’t require much work. I am not familiar with Dynon installations.

Then there’s configuration options, like calibration of the fuel gauges (a rather elaborate process), etc.

It might be less, I like to hear from someone who has actually had it done.

But that all agrees with me thinking that $15,500 is low for install.

Higher hourly rate - Higher price

You are saying 150 hour plus interior removal and replacement.

One thing that kept mine a bit lower was I did the interior at the same time, and the interior shop did the removal and replacement as part of their quote.

[ArtVandelay]

But that all agrees with me thinking that $15,500 is low for install.
Higher hourly rate - Higher price
You are saying 150 hour plus interior removal and replacement.
One thing that kept mine a bit lower was I did the interior at the same time, and the interior shop did the removal and replacement as part of their quote.

My $15,000 (included everything) was my best guess, it definitely could be more or less depending on the details.
I was just pointing out there’s more to it than wiring up a few boxes.

[Pinecone]

44 minutes ago, ArtVandelay said:

My $15,000 (included everything) was my best guess, it definitely could be more or less depending on the details.
I was just pointing out there’s more to it than wiring up a few boxes.

Exactly