Autopilot for Cessna 402C

[Cmercado]

Hi guys,
I am looking for an autopilot for a 1980 Cessna 402C. The issue is... Garmin 600 is not certified for the 402. Stec 3100 is not certified either. Is there another option to install a new AP?

 

[Ryan Klems]

I believe that Genesys/Moog is still making the 55X for now. I think that may be your only choice and I don't know how much longer they are going to be making it. They sold off the 3100, and shut down all the pre-55X autopilots and I imagine the 55X is on the chopping block soon. Your other option is to wait for Garmin or hope that Innovative Aerosystems (new owner of the 3100) might still add STCs for the 3100. You can also reach out to Garmin to offer your aircraft for use in certification.

 

[Cmercado]

They stoped making the 55X a long time ago. And no LOA either..

 

[Ryan Klems]

Define a long time ago? They were still selling them at the beginning of the year. The 20/30/40/etc yes, they stopped selling those a few years ago, but the 55X was still being sold alongside the 3100.

 

[Cmercado]

Define a long time ago? They were still selling them at the beginning of the year. The 20/30/40/etc yes, they stopped selling those a few years ago, but the 55X was still being sold alongside the 3100.

Unfortunately, no production anymore… 55X is at least 25 years old. No new products. They are not supporting them.
The C402 is an orphan child…

 

[jbDC9]

Unfortunately, no production anymore… 55X is at least 25 years old. No new products. They are not supporting them.
The C402 is an orphan child…

The Aerostar is in the same boat, no new autopilots available. Meanwhile, our 600 is in Wichita with Bevan Avionics tinkering on the ancient Century IV to keep it going. The AEST is allegedly on Garmins list for an STC... fingers crossed.

 

[rockyfatcat]

Without an STC the path forward used to be a field approval. The FAA weenies these days take the position of ‘I don’t have to’, prove to me why I should.

My local Avionics guy used to do 337’s for field approvals weekly. After getting hosed by the FAA for retrofitting avionics that was an option when new from the factory but was not included when this airframe was built, his recommendation is to hire a DER to bypass the field approval process.

He will never do another field approval again.