Similar Authorization Expected For Several Piper Airplanes

The FAA has granted an STC to autopilot manufacturer Century Flight Systems for the installation of their Century 4000 Autopilot in Cessna 182-series aircraft.  Follow-on certifications are expected to include Saratoga PA32-301, 301T, PA32R-301 and 301T aircraft. This initial STC covers the C4000 autopilot in 11 models of the Cessna 182 Skylane Series including the 182E, 182F, 182G, 182H, 182J, 182K, 182L, 182M, 182N,  182P and 182Q.  Models with Horton or Robertson STOL are included within the STC.  Approximately, 20,000 of these specific models of aircraft were built between the years 1961-1985.

“There are significant improvements to be gained by updating older aircraft with modern instrumentation and flight control systems, and Century Flight Systems is working closely to bringing increased safety- and performance-enhancing technology to more and more aircraft.  Cessna 182s are the backbone of the General Aviation community and have continued to hold their value.  C182 aircraft owners investing in the C4000 will be able to extend the useful life of their aircraft while making their flying safer, more relaxing and enjoyable.” said Bill Eubanks, Century Flight Systems’ President.

The C4000 uses advanced digital & analog circuitry to process position + rate data to produce the most accurate and comfortable flight dynamics available in rough or smooth air. This along with the fact that position + rate autopilot do not need to disengage in turbulent air makes for an autopilot that is safer and more convenient to fly. Standard features includes GPS/VOR/LOC/LOC REV coupling, fully automatic glideslope coupling from above or below, selected angle intercept capability when using an HSI (45 degree intercepts using a DG), altitude hold, voice prompter, attitude hold command, autotrim or trim prompting.

Pricing for the C4000 autopilot starts at $19,995.00 plus installation. Pricing assumes the aircraft has compatible Century Flight Systems autopilot  flight instruments installed. Autopilots are available upon order.

FMI: www.centuryflight.com