Still, everyone we talked with suggested that autopilot repair pricing is on the rise.Īccording to Bob Ferguson at Autopilots Central in Tulsa, Oklahoma, overhauling an older system is almost always going to be cheaper than replacing it. Better yet, many vintage systems can be returned to near-new condition. Thats because theyll have a good supply of core units for accessing hard-to-find parts. It helps to use a shop that does high volume. Surprisingly, repair capability for vintage systems-including Cessna/ Sperry and Piper/Century models-is good. We spoke with several respected autopilot repair facilities for their view of common, serviceable models. For basic systems, we think replacement is a better, long-term option. In this article, well look at the reality of autopilot repair versus replacement. But as service parts for older systems become obsolete, repair costs are high, downtime is increased and factory flat-rate pricing makes the repair questionable. These big proposals have many owners repairing older autopilots. Add some options and the bottom line could soar toward $30,000.
The GDC31 then holds the aircraft on the selected course. The GDC31 calculates the correct course intercept angle from the data supplied by the GPS, smoothly guiding the aircraft onto the course. In GPS mode, the GDC31 RSS signal drives the autopilot’s heading channel. In heading mode, the autopilot operates as always, tracking the heading bug of the HSI or DG. The pilot simply selects between heading mode and GPS mode by using the switch / annunciator. The GDC31 provides lateral (roll) data only (no pitch data is supplied by the GDC31). The GDC31 does not reduce or otherwise alter any existing safety features of the autopilot, such as bank limiting, rate limiting and protection from a hard over. The GDC31 mimics the heading error signal of the aircraft’s installed HSI or DG.
The GDC31 output signal connects to the heading error input of the aircraft’s existing autopilot.
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The GDC31 Roll Steering Converter with software version 001B is designed to receive RS232 or RS422 serial data or ARINC 429 Label 121 from a GPS Navigation System to produce an analog Roll Sum Steering (RSS) signal. GDC31 AML Model Qualification Process (MQP) document GDC31 AML Model Qualification Process (MQP)ĭAC International has obtained FAA approval to add new autopilot models and/or new Class I, II or III airplane models to the GDC31 STC AML under new AML Model Qualification Process (MQP) guidelines.Ĭlick link below to review GDC31 AML Model Qualification Process (MQP) document for processes, guidance, and checklists to consider your aircraft model or autopilot for determination to amend the STC AML.