Stec 60 PSS

[Steve Dawson]

Does anyone have this autopilot add on in their aircraft and what do you think of them? Are they worth adding this to a Century llB to increase the usability?

[Rwsavory]

We have the S-tec 60-2 system, which incorporates the PSS with preselect, VS, GS and autotrim.  The altitude hold part of the system works well and relieves a lot of work load.  The altitude pre-select and vertical speed modes function well, and I find them useful, but not as much as the simple alt hold.  It is very nice to do a fully coupled approach in GS mode. 

[OR75]

i have that configuration and it has been working very well.

the auto trim is a great addition too.

[Marauder]

i have that configuration and it has been working very well. the auto trim is a great addition too.

I think that was the best part of the system. I have almost forgot where my trim wheel is

[Steve Dawson]

This is great news then. I'm still in the throws about selling my plane and buying something with TKS and a half decent autopilot. I've spent a ton of money and time getting this plane running the way I like it and being very dependable. If I decide to keep it for a while I would seriously consider this option next. 

Is there anything to watch out for maintenance and configuration wise?

[OR75]

not sure i get what your plan is ..... buy a plane with a CIIB and install a pss 60 ?

how much do you think the install will cost ?

[Rwsavory]

This is great news then. I'm still in the throws about selling my plane and buying something with TKS and a half decent autopilot. I've spent a ton of money and time getting this plane running the way I like it and being very dependable. If I decide to keep it for a while I would seriously consider this option next. 

Is there anything to watch out for maintenance and configuration wise?

 

Sounds like a good plan.  Spend some time with your avionics person to make sure whatever you get is going to do what you expect.  For instance, I believe the standard configuration simply prompts for trim, which is then done manually.  Autotrim is an option and requires electric trim.  Maintenance is usually not an issue until the units gets some age on it, and then you can have the usual issues with servos, etc.

[Steve Dawson]

For my present 201 I'd probably get the auto-trim since I've heard it makes flying IFR even better. I've phoned one shop and depending on options it's $2500 to $3500 to install.

[Rwsavory]

It does make things easier and reduces your workload, especially if you use the VS mode with ALT preselect.