BendixKing AeroCruze 100 Now Available for Owners of the Lil' Speedster

Duncan Aviation has obtained the Supplemental Type Certificate needed to install the AeroCruze 100 Autopilot in M20-series Mooneys. 

The team worked with a launch customer to develop and install the BendixKing autopilot, using the assistance of Peregrine Aviation to develop the STC needed. Its approval means that those running a Mooney M20 have an "affordable, digital, two-axis, standalone autopilot system" that "incorporates features such as Track Select Mode, GPS Nav Mode, GPS Steering Mode, Altitude Hold, Pitch Trim Annunciation, and Emergency AP Level Mode."

The AeroCruze 100 meshes with BendixKing's AeroVue Touch EFIS and a variety of standard equipment, working seamlessly with IFR panel mount GPS systems and even hand-held GPS. It must be noted that full performance and the full featureset require a panel-mounted nav system - when slaved to hand-held GPS, the AeroCruze can follow programmed flight plans, but lacks the capability to perform roll steering commands needed for complex flight plans.

Interested owners and operators of M20-series aircraft can work with Duncan to develop an STC kit of their own for the installation, consisting of the computer, servos, hardware, and wiring needed for the installation. Duncan Aviation obtained exclusive rights to the M20 AeroCruze STC, a helpful change for Mooney owners who have been saddled with aging, feature-limited legacy equipment. Replacing an early-generation autopilot with its modern equivalent is just as much a safety enhancer as it is comfort, especially for single-pilot operations enjoyed by many M20 owners.

FMI: www.duncanaviation.aero