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High-End Autopilots

As an airplane owner, I quietly find myself looking at each new device both as an editor and as a potential buyer. Of course, most owners find new gadgets attractive, but when you actually get to try these things out, use them in action, well, I often find it more difficult than others to resist. So, flying these new autopilots in my aircraft type left me wanting one right away even though my autopilot works perfectly. Are you feeling my pain yet? Nah, I didnt think so…

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article compares two high-end digital autopilots, the S-TEC 3100 and Garmin GFC 600, both offering significant upgrades over older systems with similar core capabilities like attitude-based control and advanced navigation tracking.
  • The Garmin GFC 600 generally provides "tighter" control, includes an always-on envelope protection ("Nanny mode"), offers more advanced VNAV integration, and supports coupled missed approaches, though it comes at a higher price for new installations.
  • The S-TEC 3100's primary advantage is its cost-effectiveness for existing S-TEC owners, as it can reuse installed servos, leading to substantial savings on upgrades compared to a full new system.
  • For new installations, the GFC 600 is recommended if its added features and "tightness" justify the higher cost, while the S-TEC 3100 is the clear winner for cost-conscious upgrades from previous S-TEC systems.
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Many pilots think that being an editor or journalist in aviation is a dream job. And, in many ways they’re right. We often get the inside track on FAA activities; we can go to all the shows as part of the job; we fly a lot of GA for business; and we get to play with all the latest toys from the manufacturers.

As an airplane owner, I quietly find myself looking at each new device both as an editor and as a potential buyer. Of course, most owners find new gadgets attractive, but when you actually get to try these things out, use them in action, well, I often find it more difficult than others to resist. So, flying these new autopilots in my aircraft type left me wanting one right away even though my autopilot works perfectly. Are you feeling my pain yet? Nah, I didn’t think so…

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