Have completed the Autopilot hardware install. Total time for me on this was 19 hours.
If you have a flying plane and have to take out the tank, instrument panel and inspection covers it you may take more than that, my plane is in the Avionics kit phase and the tank was not yet installed.
Here are some pics of the major parts:
The Pitch Servo.
The Roll Servo.
The AP74 Control unit in the left panel.
The main issues: You need a right angle drill if the autopilot is put in after completing Section 21, and you are going to spend some time cramped up in the baggage compartment. Ok, I guess, if you are a small and agile person
. Those who are not to Section 21 yet would be wise to order the brackets at least and put them in even if unsure about installing the autopilot.
The forward Roll Servo bolts are a little difficult to line up in the bracket bolt holes because of the angle of the parts. Follow the plans closely, noting and marking right & left components and it works. All told, everything goes together very nicely.
Tony
PS There are a lot more pictures of the install in my picture galleries (Autopilot Option).
If you have a flying plane and have to take out the tank, instrument panel and inspection covers it you may take more than that, my plane is in the Avionics kit phase and the tank was not yet installed.
Here are some pics of the major parts:
![722250187_PNpkt-S.jpg](/community/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Ftonytessitore.smugmug.com%2FRV-12-Project-N577RV%2FAutopilot%2FCTT3386%2F722250187_PNpkt-S.jpg&hash=e2631bd0e53c09c919ada8e6b225517f)
The Pitch Servo.
![722250485_3Tc5R-S.jpg](/community/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Ftonytessitore.smugmug.com%2FRV-12-Project-N577RV%2FAutopilot%2FCTT3392%2F722250485_3Tc5R-S.jpg&hash=05b4bff6dc872d0c718a60fe91852c26)
The Roll Servo.
![722250552_2Y2yB-S.jpg](/community/proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Ftonytessitore.smugmug.com%2FRV-12-Project-N577RV%2FAutopilot%2FCTT3396%2F722250552_2Y2yB-S.jpg&hash=11c0bde235a2fff67018233f7fc29f8f)
The AP74 Control unit in the left panel.
The main issues: You need a right angle drill if the autopilot is put in after completing Section 21, and you are going to spend some time cramped up in the baggage compartment. Ok, I guess, if you are a small and agile person
The forward Roll Servo bolts are a little difficult to line up in the bracket bolt holes because of the angle of the parts. Follow the plans closely, noting and marking right & left components and it works. All told, everything goes together very nicely.
Tony
PS There are a lot more pictures of the install in my picture galleries (Autopilot Option).
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