Updating an auto pilot

AggieMike88

AggieMike88

Touchdown! Greaser!
Joined
Jan 13, 2010
Messages
20,804
Location
Denton, TX
Display Name
Display name:
The original "I don't know it all" of aviation.
How much trouble is it to remove the original autopilot system and install something current generation?

Some of the aircraft I am virtually kicking the tires on and dreaming of one day owning have the original autopilots. One particular case are the Cardinals that have the original Cessna 300A autopilot. After flying with the CNX80/Chelton autopilot combo in 55WB, I've gotten addicted and accustomed to it's functionality/features.

So if I got an aircraft with it's original autopilot, what am I looking at to upgrade to something current gen such as the current STec offerings?
 
They are free


Just grab a riddle, or ATP inc, grad, I hear they are really good at following the magenta line :rofl:
 
Mike, it really depends on which autopilot you're going for. Autopilot STCs tend to be expensive (5 figures) which is why you tend to see a lot of older APs in legacy aircraft.

With airplanes it's usually cheapest to buy a plane that someone else has done the big buck infrastructure upgrades to.
 
Ted DuPuis said:
Mike, it really depends on which autopilot you're going for. Autopilot STCs tend to be expensive (5 figures) which is why you tend to see a lot of older APs in legacy aircraft.
Click to expand...

Which is why I was framing my question with the STec's in mind as the replacement.
 
AggieMike88 said:
Which is why I was framing my question with the STec's in mind as the replacement.
Click to expand...

Most likely NOTHING in the existing installation is going to defray the cost of a new autopilot (especially if you go to something completely different like an s-tec). You can get an idea of the S-TEC cost by looking at their pricelist. The discount your dealer gets usually covers the additional installation expense.
 
ok....$20,000-$30,000 for a 60-2 or 55X installed. There said it. :D

This is why when airplane shopping....it must have what you need. Upgrades like this are a rat hole for investment. :yes::mad2:
 
On the first question, figure 10 amu/axis. You might get it a little cheaper but not much.

You might check out Avidynes's replacement autopilot computer. If you get an aircraft and legacy autopilot that matches their STC they costs will be considerably lower.
 
Clark1961 said:
On the first question, figure 10 amu/axis. You might get it a little cheaper but not much.

You might check out Avidynes's replacement autopilot computer. If you get an aircraft and legacy autopilot that matches their STC they costs will be considerably lower.
Click to expand...

That would mean that you have one either the STEC 30, 50, 55x 60-2, or 65 and you're flying a Cirrus, Bonanza, or Skylane.

They didn't even seem interested in supporting getting additional airframes supported either outright or by field approval.
 
flyingron said:
That would mean that you have one either the STEC 30, 50, 55x 60-2, or 65 and you're flying a Cirrus, Bonanza, or Skylane.



They didn't even seem interested in supporting getting additional airframes supported either outright or by field approval.
Click to expand...

There was a recent press release saying they were expanding to include Barons and some others, but that doesn't sound like it will help me since I have a Century IV.
 
I've not seen any press releases but they've said in the past that the Baron is "on the list" of things they're working on.
 
AggieMike88 said:
How much trouble is it to remove the original autopilot system and install something current generation?

Some of the aircraft I am virtually kicking the tires on and dreaming of one day owning have the original autopilots. One particular case are the Cardinals that have the original Cessna 300A autopilot. After flying with the CNX80/Chelton autopilot combo in 55WB, I've gotten addicted and accustomed to it's functionality/features.

So if I got an aircraft with it's original autopilot, what am I looking at to upgrade to something current gen such as the current STec offerings?
Click to expand...

$20-30k worth of trouble. Even if you find a used STEC, they will charge you as much as a new one to give you an STC for it, at least that was the deal when I was looking and found a good deal on a used 60-2.
 
I paid $1,500.00 for the servos, and $1,200.00 for the unit. I installed it my self for $0.00 and have unlimited free service, and tech support.:D
Oh sorry had to do it.

Wait I forgot they came out with a revised unit that had attitude select, 6 months after I purchased mine, I returned my unit and paid $500.00 for the upgraded unit.
 
Last edited:
tecprotb said:
I paid $1,500.00 for the servos, and $1,200.00 for the unit. I installed it my self for $0.00 and have unlimited free service, and tech support.:D
Oh sorry had to do it.
Click to expand...

EAB's and a -10 are still very much on my "one day" list.
 
The stec 30 runs about 10 k installed,seems to be a popular install or add on. More money if you add GPS steering.
 
Henning said:
That's strictly roll control right?
Click to expand...

The 30 includes altitude hold. The 20 is the same head, roll only.

I'd love to meet the shop installing an S-tec 30 for ten grand!
 
SCCutler said:
The 30 includes altitude hold. The 20 is the same head, roll only.

I'd love to meet the shop installing an S-tec 30 for ten grand!
Click to expand...


I have the 30 with alt hold on mine, only feature you really also need to include is GPSS steering.

Autopilots are one of those things I prefer to purchase already installed. Money wise, my plane came with a nice panel, when the last owner had the major panel upgrade done, ended up running him over $60k and that was more than a few years ago.

Buy a panel that's already done, stuff like paint and upholstery can be done well and on the cheap, there is no cheap way do get a major panel upgrade done, let someone else take that hit.

Or go experimental
http://www.grtavionics.com/mini.html
 
Last edited:
Ted DuPuis said:
Mike, it really depends on which autopilot you're going for. Autopilot STCs tend to be expensive (5 figures) which is why you tend to see a lot of older APs in legacy aircraft.

With airplanes it's usually cheapest to buy a plane that someone else has done the big buck infrastructure upgrades to.
Click to expand...

And that is basically why I did not purchase a particular aircraft, and waited for one that had the autopilot/upgrade I wanted installed.
 
Henning said:
Yeah, for real, I couldn't find a 2 axis quote under $20k.
Click to expand...

I agree. My 55X I believe was right around the $25k mark. Perhaps if I had omitted the electric trim I might have been able to squeak it in lower.

Note that if in addition if you don't already have a HSI or DG with a heading bug on it, you're going to have to add that cost if you want to use the full capabilities of these autopilots. You also have to make sure your radios are compatible, not really a problem with a modern IFR GPS, but if you're trying to slave it to something like a KX-155 you may also need to upgrade that.
 
Last edited:
GPSS for my STEC 30 was quoted as about 3K installed. Didn't do it yet, though it would be nice to have at some point.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top