GA Autopilots

[210Pilot]

Hey Guys,

If you had to choose a decent auto pilot for a small single like a PA24 or PA-28 which ones would you consider? I've been looking at some of the S-Tec ones. Ideally I'd like a 2-axis one, but the price gets up there pretty fast.

I've already got a G430W and an HSI. I'd like to have something that slaves it all together for ILS and RNAV's. Would a single-axis AP work for my needs? One that holds altitude or one that tracks heading? I basically want something that will reduce my workload when flying IFR.

Thanks,

[Hedley]

For SPIFR, all I want is an autopilot that will reliably hold
a heading and an altitude so I can relax cross-country,
fold maps, copy clearances, read approach plates, etc.

I don't mind hand-flying approaches and departures - it
keeps you sharp, imho.

Save your money and get a G496 w/XM composite
radar to keep you out of the bad stuff.

[210Pilot]

Thanks for the advice Hedley. I definitely don't mind flying the approaches - I actually prefer it.

For SPIFR, all I want is an autopilot that will reliably hold
a heading and an altitude so I can relax cross-country,
fold maps, copy clearances, read approach plates, etc.

Anyones you'd recommend having a look at?

[roger.roger]

Save your money and get a G496 w/XM composite
radar to keep you out of the bad stuff.

Does XM cover most of canada?

[ScudRunner]

I believe it was introduced in Canada this year.

http://www.xmradio.ca/weather/aviation/

XM WX SATELLITE WEATHER ANNOUNCES ENHANCED
AVIATOR SUITE OF PRODUCTS

April 16, 2007, Lakeland, Fla. - XM Satellite Radio announced today that U.S. subscribers to the industry leading XM WX Satellite Weather Service will now have access to new data products as part of the Aviator package. The enhanced Aviator service package will now include numerous products at no additional charge, including the much anticipated Canadian weather data.

The XM WX Aviator package gives pilots the most comprehensive information they need. The new Aviator package incorporates radar coverage for Canada and Puerto Rico as well as Canadian data products, including Weather Warnings and Outlooks, METARs, TAFs, SIGMETs, and Winds Aloft. U.S. subscribers will be able to receive Canadian weather warnings and watches for severe weather events like tornados, severe storms, flooding, blizzards, and more throughout Canada.

“We are excited to announce the expansion of coverage of the XM WX service to provide data for Canada and Puerto Rico,” said Roderick MacKenzie, XM vice president of advanced applications and services. “Now more than ever, pilots will have the
situational awareness they need while in the air, whether they are flying throughout the continental United States, south towards Puerto Rico, or north through Canada. These additions ensure XM WX Satellite Weather remains the most comprehensive real-time weather service available to pilots.”

XM WX hardware partners will be developing applications to implement the new data products on their avionics devices subject to separate individual announcements of availability and timing. The new Aviator products will be on display in the XM WX Satellite Weather booth (C24-25) at the Sun N Fun Fly-in April 17-23, 2007.

[Big Pistons Forever]

I have used the STEC system 30. It seems to do a good job and is simpler to install as it does not require electric trim, an with AI autopilot outputs or a seperate mode selector/annunciator.

[roger.roger]

what happens when you fly north?

[ScudRunner]

what happens when you fly north?

[Osiris]

what happens when you fly north?