which autopilot to choose

#1 12-08-2005, 10:26 AM

autopilots

Kahuna · #2 12-08-2005, 11:03 AM

The hang on for the ride unit you heard about was likely the Navaid. It has gone by the wayside in favor for more reliable and accurate solid state units.

Without getting into all the gee whiz feature comparisons, my vote is for the Trio Avionics EZ Pilot. . Simple to install, very effective, terrific feature set and price point. I have units in 2 rv's and you will have to pry them from my dead body.

The roll axis unit has been on the market for a while and is now well refined. The pitch axis unit is just getting on line and promises to be a great unit. I have them both in my 8. I am particularly looking fwd to the advanced feature set under development which includes vert speed and alt. pre-select.

If you search this archive and the rv-list, you will see lots of various opinions.
Good luck on your search.
Best

Bob Axsom · #3 12-08-2005, 11:05 AM

I have Pictorial Pilot for course control and Altrak for altitude hold in my RV-6A. Awesome! Whenever you put an autopilot in your airplane you do have to know how to use it but there have been no surprises for me. I have no idea what the current cost, capability or availability exists in the market today. It seems to be rapidly improving but that's an outsider's view.

Bob Axsom

L.Adamson · #4 12-08-2005, 11:07 AM

The Trio EZ-Pilot & TruTrak auto-pilots both work well, and have very reasonable prices. Both use a GPS for heading guidence. You can even buy one of each brand to make up a two-axis system if desired.

f1rocket · #5 12-08-2005, 11:10 AM

What capabilities do you want or need? Do you just want a wing leveler or a full approach-capable model?

I have a TruTrak A/P in my Rocket and it is just awsome. The servos are sturdy, the instructions clear, and it's operation impeccable. I also like the trade-up feature that TruTrak has. I can trade up to a more functional model for just the price difference.

f1rocket · #6 12-08-2005, 12:23 PM

There's no doubt that RV's are more sensitive to pitch than boat anchors like Cessnas and Pipers. That's what makes these airplanes so enjoyable to fly. I don't have an IFR rating yet, but am seriously considering it. I think an A/P would certainly reduce your IFR workload since you can bust altitude pretty quickly. There are a number of folks who fly IFR in RVs without an A/P so it can and is done. I just enjoy mine so that I can take a pee break or fold a map without swerving all over the place.

Scott Will · #7 12-08-2005, 01:00 PM

If you want to have an EFIS in your cockpit, be sure to look into how easily the autopilot talks to it.

I went with TruTrak because I'm using the Grand Rapids EFIS. They play very well together.

Also, I love the TT trade up feature.

tinman · #8 12-08-2005, 01:09 PM

Give Jerry Hansen at Trio a call. He is very enthusiastic about the Trio products and is a pleasure to speak with. I ordered a wing leveler from him for my RV-8 and was very impressed with the product, packaging and documentation. I have not flown my ship yet, so I have no direct experience in this area. Like so many things in business, for me, it was a matter of relationships. I felt like I could trust Trio.
Tinman

rv8ch · #9 12-08-2005, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinman

Give Jerry Hansen at Trio a call. He is very enthusiastic about the Trio products and is a pleasure to speak with. I ordered a wing leveler from him for my RV-8 and was very impressed with the product, packaging and documentation. I have not flown my ship yet, so I have no direct experience in this area. Like so many things in business, for me, it was a matter of relationships. I felt like I could trust Trio.
Tinman

I agree. I have a Trio EZ Pilot. The Trio guys are great, as is the product. I've also heard great things about TT products and their team. It seems you'll be happy with either product. This is one of those fabulous areas where we have two excellent product families competing for our business. That's the way it's supposed to work!

gmcjetpilot · #10 12-08-2005, 04:49 PM

I have a NavAid. Great gets the job done, but if I was buying I would go with the two contenders.

However I have a question. I am familiar with the Trio servo since it is really a NavAid autopilot servo. The servo uses a "clutch" (really gear drive mechanically disengages the primary and secondary gear train), so it can free wheels (i.e., no drag when not engaged).

The TT uses a step motor and has some "drag" so I was told. IS THAT TRUE?

George