Installation of S-Tec auto pilot in Robertson Stol aircraft

[AlanBreen]

The shop where our avionics upgrade is being done is also doing a major install on a 260C.

This aircraft has a roberston stol kit fitted with the positive flap retraction spring. This interferes with the positioning of the roll servo.

Apparently (according to S-Tec) this is the first 260c they know of that has the robertson stol fitted to have an S-Tec auto-pilot installed. Their documentation does not mention this combination, and there is no installation data for such an install. There is data for the twin from what I have been told.

S-Tec have told them to get a local approval to modify the mounting position of the roll servo. At this stage they intend to fit it in a mirror image position to what it would normally be fitted.

Can anyone tell me what method is used to fit the roll servo to the twin. I am guessing that the same method will work for a 260C.

Thanks,
Alan

[Scott Ducey]

Wow Alan. Please keep me posted how this all works out, as I just made arrangements to have a 55X installed on my Twin Comanche, and it also has the Robertson STOL with the drooped ailerons. I am not sure it still applies to the Twinky, but I suspect it does. I look forward to hearing from you.

Scott Ducey

[MULEFLY]

Message to both of you guys... I don't have the data with me... filed somewhere, but I came across this issue when I purchased PA39 147 N8982Y that has the Robertson STOL. After about 1 day on the phone, I found that Eastern Aviation, Punta Gorta, FL has installed a STEC 30 in a twin that has the Robertson... Eastern claimed that a technician that has since retired from them was the main guru on the job. I located the owner (lives in Ft. Myers, FL) and he has all of the engineering data that was produced to get a 337 approved for the install.

From memory, the kicker was that they had to use a bridle from a STEC kit for a Cessna, rather than the normal bridle that would be used on a non-Robertson STOL aircraft.

The owner was super friendly and told me that he would assist me in any with copies of the paperwork or whatever. I haven't pursued it yet as I'm not ready for an AP upgrade.

The above was about 3 years ago...

Since then I have come across guys on the other forum that have STOL aircraft (with the aileron flap interlock as mine has) with modern autopilots... one has a Century 2000 and another has an STEC... I'm not sure about a 55x... but Eastern told me that if a 30 could be approved, there would be absolutely no problem getting a 55x approved.

Perhaps someone will chime up here... I can find the FL twinco driver if you need his name and contact info.

All the best!
Jim

[Scott Ducey]

Thanks Jim. I sent this string to my avionics guy to see what he has to say. I will let you know if I need the information you offered.

Scott

[VANBLADEREN]

[AlanBreen]

[VANBLADEREN]

[AlanBreen]

[AlanBreen]

[Scott Ducey]

[TurboPA30]

[Scott Ducey]