Contemplating YD servo for GFC500?

[Modify201]

Hi guys. We are planning our panel makeover for our M20C. With our GFC500, we are trying to decide if we should add a yaw damper. Is it worth it? Does it hold rudder in on climb-out? If someone could let me know that’d be great.

Thanks!

[201Steve]

If you’re looking for a place to save, this would be a good place. Can have them wire it so all you have to do is add servo later if u decide u want it. It’s only 180 hp and they are generally coordinated in cruise. I guess if I had it it’d be nice but I don’t miss not having it. Now auto trim? Game changer. Make sure u get the trim servo

[BrianWilkins]

47 minutes ago, Modify201 said:

Hi guys. We are planning our panel makeover for our M20C. With our GFC500, we are trying to decide if we should add a yaw damper. Is it worth it? Does it hold rudder in on climb-out? If someone could let me know that’d be great.

Thanks!

I have an E model. No YD. My shop said it was unnecessary and having flown with the GFC500 quite a bit now, I really don’t think it would add much.  

[pirate]

I installed the YD and like it.

After establishing climb I turn it on and my feet can go to the floor if I like.

Really nice on rough climb out’s and or long  bumpy flights.  

[Ragsf15e]

I have a K with the yd and like it.  I didn’t put in the AP but the difference in turbulence is very noticeable - a better ride.  The folks who don’t have one don’t know.  Don’t take my word for it though, try to fly one with it and see what you think by cycling it on/off.

Yes it will hold it coordinated and it can be on without the rest of the ap on (like while you’re hand flying).

So my thought is, you’re going big, do it all.  But maybe try it and see what you think.

[mhrivnak]

There was a good discussion of this recently regarding mid-bodies. I like the yaw damper in my J (details in that thread), and I would expect it to be even more helpful for a short-body, since the vertical stabilizer has less leverage to counteract yaw.

 

 

 

 

[Pinecone]

Subject comes up all the time.

Those with the YD tend to love it and say get it.   Those without tend to think it is not needed.

But think about it, those with t have flown with and without and compared.  Those without it have no idea how nice it is.

 

[MikeOH]

3 hours ago, Pinecone said:

Subject comes up all the time.

Those with the YD tend to love it and say get it.   Those without tend to think it is not needed.

But think about it, those with t have flown with and without and compared.  Those without it have no idea how nice it is.

 

That argument always sounds logical, but think about it, how many times have you asked someone with a new car how they like it...ever had anyone tell you they hate it and wished they hadn't bought it

[Pinecone]

A few times.

But someone without a YD saying you don't need it is like someone with a 20 year old car saying a new car is not any nicer because the old one still runs.
 

[MikeOH]

3 hours ago, Pinecone said:

A few times.

But someone without a YD saying you don't need it is like someone with a 20 year old car saying a new car is not any nicer because the old one still runs.
 

Well, crap!  You mean I need to go buy a new Pilatus PC12 because my Mooney, which runs well, is 55 years old????

I'll be sure to tell you "I hate it" when you ask

[Wes]

I have YD in a short body...if it quit working tomorrow, I'd be making a call to get it fixed that day. It's awesome. 

[ArtVandelay]

I have YD in a short body...if it quit working tomorrow, I'd be making a call to get it fixed that day. It's awesome. 

Don’t know about the short bodies but my mid body doesn’t yaw much in moderate turbulence, anything more than that I start thinking of landing.

[Pinecone]

I flew yesterday.  Choppy turbulence.  I was hand flying and got tired of the pedal dance so turned on the YD.  AWESOME.

Do you NEED it?  No.  Do you want it?  YES.

 

[dkkim73]

4 minutes ago, Pinecone said:

I flew yesterday.  Choppy turbulence.  I was hand flying and got tired of the pedal dance so turned on the YD.  AWESOME.

Do you NEED it?  No.  Do you want it?  YES.

 

I love the idea. I flew a longer trip yesterday and about 30 min from home managed to bounce my head off the ceiling. I think the ceiling will be ok. 

I'm guessing the long bodies really don't need these? I've never really felt any yaw under damping noe Dutch roll instability. The plane is just very stable. 

D

 

[Matthew P]

I have the YD and do like it, I was looking to cut something from the budget and had 1/2 the people saying I didn't need it and the other 1/2 saying I will wish I had got it, figured i'd get it....flew a few cross country flights with it on and then flew back with it off...GLAD I got it.

[M20F]

Infinitely better and cheaper than a 13yr old.