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Autopilot system
(Sep 3 2010)
Several companies have introduced the EFIS "Glass Cockpit" concept few years ago. I can't tell who did it first but couple of names are popping often these days about this; Dynon, MGL Avionics just to name a few. Garmin is in the race obviously with quite interesting packages.
The first cockpit layout I've prepared was based on those devices; an EFIS display (either 6, 7 or even 10in display size) that combines several if not all the usual Primary Flight Instruments (PFI) that you could find in a typical aircraft. For the "Non-Initiated", these are quite expensive gizmos but compared to the "certified aircraft" world, they are very cheap. If you have time to waste, try to search for "certified auto-pilot" devices. You'll have a shock. However, for the "Amateur-Build" world, it is much cheaper. So much that you can afford having auto-pilot features and Engine Monitoring Instrument (EMI) all combined into 1 or two displays for less than 15 gran. I don't know about certified stuff but it is surely way above that.
Now comes the time to fit that in a "P-51 replica"... It will fit, definitely, but do you want your replica dashpanel to look like a "Home Theater" ??? This is a "No-No" for me. In fact, I've changed my mind when I realize that I could find substitutes for EMI and A-P without sacrificing on redundancy or reliability. Sure it is nice to have "2" directional Gyro and/or two Altimeter... but at $2,500 a piece, you try to keep it "lean".... The EFIS could do the same for "so much less" than with the steam gauge option but still, they don't give you the feel of the "EAR".
After some search, I've found what I think will be the best compromise between "authenticity" and convenience; keep the steam gauges for authenticity but have an A-P for the X-country flights..Trio Avionics are proposing a suite of devices that could be used in many applications. In this case, I've elected to go with the Pro-Pilot kit which could be installed quite easily on the T-51. The basic functions provide "level flights" but if coupled with a GPS, it could fly the aircraft on a track, follow a course and capture back the track. If the GPS is WAAS capable, the Pro Pilot can even fly IFR. I'm won't go there. As long as it could keep the course and follow a track, I'll be happy.
For my application, I intend to buy a portable GPS capable from AvMap that I'll use on the X-country rides. When I want to have a spin around, no need for it. This option will impose me to "plug it in" each time I want the A-P to work as it is design for however, I'll have the luxury to program it at home prior to a flight. You can't do that from an "Inboard GPS". One big advantage of the AvMap kit is that it straps on to your leg to avoid costly and clumsy panel brackets and could be used anywhere you want.
(Sep 3 2010)
Several companies have introduced the EFIS "Glass Cockpit" concept few years ago. I can't tell who did it first but couple of names are popping often these days about this; Dynon, MGL Avionics just to name a few. Garmin is in the race obviously with quite interesting packages.
The first cockpit layout I've prepared was based on those devices; an EFIS display (either 6, 7 or even 10in display size) that combines several if not all the usual Primary Flight Instruments (PFI) that you could find in a typical aircraft. For the "Non-Initiated", these are quite expensive gizmos but compared to the "certified aircraft" world, they are very cheap. If you have time to waste, try to search for "certified auto-pilot" devices. You'll have a shock. However, for the "Amateur-Build" world, it is much cheaper. So much that you can afford having auto-pilot features and Engine Monitoring Instrument (EMI) all combined into 1 or two displays for less than 15 gran. I don't know about certified stuff but it is surely way above that.
Now comes the time to fit that in a "P-51 replica"... It will fit, definitely, but do you want your replica dashpanel to look like a "Home Theater" ??? This is a "No-No" for me. In fact, I've changed my mind when I realize that I could find substitutes for EMI and A-P without sacrificing on redundancy or reliability. Sure it is nice to have "2" directional Gyro and/or two Altimeter... but at $2,500 a piece, you try to keep it "lean".... The EFIS could do the same for "so much less" than with the steam gauge option but still, they don't give you the feel of the "EAR".
After some search, I've found what I think will be the best compromise between "authenticity" and convenience; keep the steam gauges for authenticity but have an A-P for the X-country flights..Trio Avionics are proposing a suite of devices that could be used in many applications. In this case, I've elected to go with the Pro-Pilot kit which could be installed quite easily on the T-51. The basic functions provide "level flights" but if coupled with a GPS, it could fly the aircraft on a track, follow a course and capture back the track. If the GPS is WAAS capable, the Pro Pilot can even fly IFR. I'm won't go there. As long as it could keep the course and follow a track, I'll be happy.
For my application, I intend to buy a portable GPS capable from AvMap that I'll use on the X-country rides. When I want to have a spin around, no need for it. This option will impose me to "plug it in" each time I want the A-P to work as it is design for however, I'll have the luxury to program it at home prior to a flight. You can't do that from an "Inboard GPS". One big advantage of the AvMap kit is that it straps on to your leg to avoid costly and clumsy panel brackets and could be used anywhere you want.
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