One Quick Question?!

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Mtns2Skies

Final Approach
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Mtns2Skies
I know this question is just plane* out of the clear blue sky but it has always been on my mind. If a plane does not have auto pilot is it possible to install one? and around how much would it cost? Thanks A lot!


*I know that plain is spelled P-L-A-I-N however I was making a pun
 
HawkEye007 said:
I know this question is just plane* out of the clear blue sky but it has always been on my mind. If a plane does not have auto pilot is it possible to install one? and around how much would it cost?
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Sure, it's possible. You'd add the autopilot control itself, and servos for the ailerons and (possibly) elevator and (possibly) rudder, depending on what kind of autopilot you get. I've got no idea how much it costs aftermarket; the autopilot in my Zodiac, a two-axis (ailerons and elevator) TruTrak Digiflight IIVSG, cost $5200 installed. I would expect that an aftermarket installation would be more, since it's easier to run wiring and add the servos while the plane is being built.
 
jmaynard said:
Sure, it's possible. You'd add the autopilot control itself, and servos for the ailerons and (possibly) elevator and (possibly) rudder, depending on what kind of autopilot you get. I've got no idea how much it costs aftermarket; the autopilot in my Zodiac, a two-axis (ailerons and elevator) TruTrak Digiflight IIVSG, cost $5200 installed. I would expect that an aftermarket installation would be more, since it's easier to run wiring and add the servos while the plane is being built.
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Thanks A Lot
 
HawkEye007 said:
I know this question is just plane* out of the clear blue sky but it has always been on my mind. If a plane does not have auto pilot is it possible to install one? and around how much would it cost? Thanks A lot!


*I know that plain is spelled P-L-A-I-N however I was making a pun
Click to expand...

Certified or experimental?

Could be cheaper to just marry a copilot! Maybe:D

Dan
 
jmaynard said:
Sure, it's possible. You'd add the autopilot control itself, and servos for the ailerons and (possibly) elevator and (possibly) rudder, depending on what kind of autopilot you get. I've got no idea how much it costs aftermarket; the autopilot in my Zodiac, a two-axis (ailerons and elevator) TruTrak Digiflight IIVSG, cost $5200 installed. I would expect that an aftermarket installation would be more, since it's easier to run wiring and add the servos while the plane is being built.
Click to expand...

You're showing the joys of Experimental, Jay. TruTrak makes AWESOME autopilot systems at AWESOME prices, but unfortunately they're only available in Experimental installations.

A buddy of ours had a 430W and autopilot installed in his PA28-180 last year. Total bill was up around $30k. :hairraise: Dad had been considering moving to the 'certified' market prior to that event. Once he heard those numbers, he deleted all of his Cherokee-6 and Seneca II classified listings he had been looking at and ordered the tail kit for the RV-10. :)
 
STEC 30 this year, installed for 12K, quoted up to 14K, cost increase 2k over last years quotes :mad:
 
RMCN172RG said:
STEC 30 this year, installed for 12K, quoted up to 14K, cost increase 2k over last years quotes :mad:
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Any idea on the source of the increase? Labor? Parts? Shipping? Demand for the units allows them to charge more?
 
Now what is the difference of an experimental AP and the other type?
 
CJones said:
You're showing the joys of Experimental, Jay. TruTrak makes AWESOME autopilot systems at AWESOME prices, but unfortunately they're only available in Experimental installations.
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Except mine's not an experimental. :) I didn't know TruTrak didn't do STCed installations, though...
 
HawkEye007 said:
Now what is the difference of an experimental AP and the other type?
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Experimental refers to the certification of the airplane not the AP.

Basically in an experimental aircraft you can put just about anything, i.e. experimental.

In a standard certificated aircraft the aircraft and AP must be approved and certified to work as a unit the STC or Supplemental Type Certification basically documents that autopilot A can be installed into aircraft B by a licensed / authorized installer.

I'm sure I'll be corrected if these simplified definitions are incorrect.
 
jmaynard said:
I'll have to look later; it's a Flash page, and I'm on the iPhone.
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Well, in that case I'll keep flooding you with info: ;)
Q - Is the autopilot available for certified aircraft?
A - TruTrak autopilots are strictly for experimental aircraft and LSA’s.

Yes, it's a factory-built SLSA.
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You're good-to-go then. I didn't realize it was LSA.
 
HawkEye007 said:
I know this question is just plane* out of the clear blue sky but it has always been on my mind. If a plane does not have auto pilot is it possible to install one? and around how much would it cost? Thanks A lot!


*I know that plain is spelled P-L-A-I-N however I was making a pun
Click to expand...

Well, it depends on the application, but most aircraft have an autopilot that can be fit to them, I'm not sure if there is one for an Aeronca Champ, C-120.... Depending on the aircraft and level of autopilot you are seeking (we'll limit this to piston GA) you'll spend between $14k and $55k installed.
 
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