BENDIX FCS810 AUTOPILOT/ FD

[Gerald Matzke]

Looking at a navajo. The autopilot is the BENDIX FCS810 AUTOPILOT/ FD. Does anybody have any experience with it?

My comanche has a s-tec 50

Thanks

jay

[Kristin Winter]

Yes! I have experience with both the autopilot and the Navajo.

[Gerald Matzke]

Awesome! The question did imply, however, that I wanted to know more about the a/p. As I said I have experience with the s-tec.

So how easy is it to use? How outdated is it? What are issues surrounding repair or refurbishent? Does it need, as the s-tec did, a gpss unit? Or will it fly approaches?

Does it mesh with the Garmin 530 well, or are there "fixes" that have to be used to make it work?

Thanks

Jay

[Kristin Winter]

The FCS-810 is a Bendix autopilot from the early 70's which Piper branded as the Altimatic V. It always came with HSI and a flight director. We had an Aztec and a Chieftain with that system back in the early 90's. My recollection is that we have very little trouble with them, only have to have one HSI overhauled, but then that is something that will wear out eventually. The system was as easy to use as the other common autopilots of the day, such as the Century III/Altimatic III and the KFC-200 systems. It would shoot and approach, but frankly, I never tried it as I never shoot coupled approaches. They are too much fun to allow the box to fly it.

I don't know how it would integrate with a WAAS box, or even if a converter is available. I would contact Autopilot Central in Tulsa, I think, or perhaps Muncie Aviation to ask about the serviceability of those units now, and whether then can work with GPSS. Assuming that they can still be serviced and that converters are available, I would have no problem buying a plane with that autopilot. My fear would be that it is orphaned.

[Gerald Matzke]

Thanks for taking the time to illuminate me, and others, I appreciate it. I'm now reassured. And I'll be able to ask the seller some specific questions should I move forward.


again, Thanks

Jay

[JIMICS2452]