jager3 Posted August 26 Report Posted August 26 I own an M20C that was never equipped with an autopilot. I would appreciate information on installing an old (approved) Brittain autopilot as my first. I would like information as follows: 1) equipment list, ie. servos, control head, etc. 2) additional flight system, ie. gyros, sensors, etc. 3 )obtaining certification by FAA 4) instillation tips and user operation instructions I realize this is an old system, but I know it has already had approval and Tru-Trak and others are either not fully approved or have priced themselves our of my range. I've hand flown my aircraft for over 3 decades and realize the latest "whiz bang" unit would be idea, but after experiencing my 2nd major overhaul, I am woefully short of pocket change to buy the "latest".
Echo Posted August 27 Report Posted August 27 (edited) In avionics section NOT in selling area an owner had listed a complete Brittain system. Not recommending, just pointing out for you to take a look. Photos show all components. Edited August 27 by Echo
JoeM Posted August 27 Report Posted August 27 I have a complete Brittain system in my '65 E model, with altitude hold and pitch control. For 4 years I have tried to keep it working, buying parts Others were selling, rebuilding servos, sending parts to Kevin in Tulsa, and doing extensive testing myself. You probably know there are very few people who will work on them, and even fewer who are FAA certified. The company is essentially out of business. Jimmy Garrison says that it would add $2000 to the value of your airplane, assuming it worked. It probably won't. It would definitely cost more than that to install, troubleshoot, and attempt to repair. I am getting ready to take mine out and install an aerocruze 100 aka trutrak. Cost is about $7,000 for a good autopilot, admittedly not as good as Garmin. If you are so inclined, you can install it yourself under supervision. If it were me, I would not waste money on a Brittain system.
jager3 Posted August 27 Author Report Posted August 27 Thank you for the replies, information, and advice. Also, I wasn't sure the aerocruze 100 was approved for the M20C; it looks like a much more practical way to go for the money.
MarquezJC Posted Tuesday at 04:27 PM Report Posted Tuesday at 04:27 PM I believe the Aeorcruze 100 STC for the C, D, E and F models are still being finalized by Duncan. Last rumor I saw was maybe sometime late this year. You can also get a field approval from the FAA which I believe some have done.
hammdo Posted Tuesday at 04:31 PM Report Posted Tuesday at 04:31 PM Mine goes in this month for the AeroCruze. No issue with the current STC from Duncan… -Don
DCarlton Posted Tuesday at 05:01 PM Report Posted Tuesday at 05:01 PM 28 minutes ago, hammdo said: Mine goes in this month for the AeroCruze. No issue with the current STC from Duncan… -Don Please post pics and let us know how it installs / performs. I haven't kept up with AeroCruze development. 2
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