Make A Good System Even Better...

E-I-C Note: As ANN prepares for its first major LIVE Aero-TV programming, we have to admit that we've been flogging the video geeks to within an inch of their lives to get ready... Still, before we really put the pressure on, we've decided to give them a SLIGHT break and will be offering classic episodes of Aero-TV, all with an Avionics Theme, in order to prepare for "hell week."

We hope you enjoy these truly great episodes as well as the exciting live programming coming up this week.

ANN has been quite happy with our first year of ownership of a Technologically Advanced Aircraft -- our Cirrus SR22 G3 Turbo. While we have not only enjoyed the aircraft in its original configuration, the recent addition of Avidyne's Release 9 really turned our bird into quite the super-ship... while one other much vaunted upgrade has made our flights into a very smooth venture. Our bird is equipped with S-Tec's much vaunted Model 55X autopilot... our third S-Tec equipped airplane.

While the 55X is a SERIOUS top of the line working-flyer's autopilot, the requirements of the standard Cirrus installation have allowed S-Tec to offer an augmentation package that tackles the normally smooth ops of the 55X into something even more precise than before.

S-Tec's Roll Servo mod for the 55X for the Cirrus series does a lot for what is already an outstanding package and fine tunes the precise nature of that system with perceptibly improved lateral performance, the deletion of some autopilot restrictions and longer life for the Cirrus' roll trim cartridge assembly. The standard Cirrus 55X installation in the utilizes an aileron trim cartridge assembly in the wing to execute autopilot instructions, where the roll trim cartridge assembly moves the aileron by compressing the spring inside the assembly. This spring cartridge can occasionally create a “mushy” autopilot roll axis sensation. With the roll servo mod, an independent servo now does the job via a direct connection with the aileron cable.

The result? Faster, more obedient and more precise response to S-Tec 55X inputs. The difference is QUITE noticeable... more aggressive adherence to crosswind corrections, practically ZERO lateral oscillatory behavior while operating in turbulent conditions, and smoother approach captures... even on some of those sharp intercepts that are all the rage in some of the new generation of convoluted WAAS approaches, as well as better response in rough conditions.

Our flight experience with this addition has been pretty impressive and has truly impressed us with the value of this very cost-effective upgrade. Mind you; we've been really happy with the 55X from Day One and really didn't think it needed much of anything... until we flew this upgrade for ourselves. HIGHLY Recommended.

FMI: www.s-tec.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews