Working at RV Central

flytoday · #1 01-17-2012, 05:22 AM

Just spent four days at RV Central with Jay, installing a new autopilot. I recommend anyone who purchased their plane and wants to learn about the inner workings spend a few days with Jay and all the team who are restoring RV1 and working other projects. Everyone was eager to answer my questions. Worth every second!!!

Ironflight · #2 01-17-2012, 06:58 AM

But Carl, how does the new autopilot work?!

flytoday · #3 01-17-2012, 07:27 AM

Finished closing up 9RV about 10pm Sunday. Test flew about 9 am yesterday, verified Horizontal Roll neutral setting and flew a short 6 waypoint TEST FLIGHT route on the 496, altitude hold set at 2000'. Continuous light with occasional moderate turbulence. Banged the DC headset on the canopy twice (glad I have that thick pad) and the Trio performed flawlessly! I gave it some sharp turns in the test route ( > 90 degrees) and all very accurately turned and captured. Too rough to solo check all the gains so left them all default.

Flew from T67 to KLVJ at 1:30 pm, ceiling at 2300' so I set up Pro Pilot at 1800' and 496 direct KSGR - KLVJ and just relaxed and watched it handle every bump and thump. Will check gains on a smooth clear day and a second crew member to keep it safe!

Went up to T67 on Thurs and back yesterday, managed to have > 20 knot headwinds each way!

I rate the Trio 5 out of 5. Chuck, at no charge, tested and adjusted my roll servo from my old NAVAID system and strongly discouraged me from spending an extra $750 on a new one.

Jay Pratt and all the team at RV Central helped me more than I can describe! Jay suggested I consider upgrading to a 5 point belt!