EAA Announces They Are Working With A TruTrak Autopilot STC Project

Only yesterday in our AeroSports Update column, we covered the topics of the ‘Supplemental Type Certificate’ (STC) and the ‘Parts Manufacturing Approval’ (PMA), and how these 2 issues can create an advantage in maintaining and upgrading our type-certificated aircraft. Now, the very thing we were talking about is being brought to the forefront again by EAA.

First, a little review - EAA’s Accessible Safety STC, which allows the installation of Dynon EFIS-D10A and EFIS-D100 systems in certain Cessna and Piper models, was awarded in April of this year. The list of eligible aircraft is in the process of being expanded based on enthusiastic feedback from EAA members.

Now, EAA and its subsidiary EAA STC, LLC are working with TruTrak Autopilots to bring its Vizion autopilot system to type-certificated aircraft. EAA STC has submitted an application to initially certify the system in Cessna 172 series aircraft, with a goal to expand the list of eligible aircraft to as many as possible.

“We are already well into the process of making low-cost autopilots available for EAA members with type-certificated aircraft,” said EAA Vice President of Advocacy and Safety Sean Elliott. “A certification plan for the TruTrak technology is being drafted and we will be hard at work on this project over the next few months.”

“For years we have heard from our members with standard category aircraft that they want the ability to install the affordable, safe, and powerful equipment that has served the amateur-built community for decades,” Elliott said. “EAA, with the willingness of the FAA to pursue alternative paths to certification, is making it happen.”

EAA has also said they expect to pursue the Dynon autopilot system for an STC following the successful completion of a TruTrak STC. This is a wonderful example of recreational, experimental-aviation, supplying the technology to lower the cost of upgrading our type-certificated aircraft.

(Autopilot image from TruTrak website)

FMI: www.eaa.org   www.trutrakap.com/