Used Avionics

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Used Autopilots

The Truths and Myths

We receive numerous requests to install used autopilot systems into a customers certificated (TC) aircraft. In short, it cannot be done without a very large expense, or if at all. to be legal. I hope the information provided here will give you, the customer, the facts on autopilot installations.

FACT: Unless the autopilot was certified by the Aircraft Manufacture under the Type Certificate (Cessna 200/300/400/1000, Piper Altimatics I,II, IIIC), and all the required aircraft manufactures drawings and installation instructions are available, the autopilot cannot be installed and certified legally. An autopilot installation is a Major Alteration, requires proper documentation, must be documented in the aircraft records, and with the FAA . Piper lists the drawing numbers for the approval basis, but these are no longer available from Piper (although some shops may have the original drawings). Cessna used Avionics Installation manuals, which most shops that work on Cessna Autopilots should have, and is the approval basis for the specific aircraft Make, Model, and Serial Number range. What does this mean? A Cessna 200A cannot be installed into a Piper PA28-140, and A Piper Altimatic III cannot be installed into a Beechcraft F33 without obtaining an new STC. Aircraft manufature specific autopilots can be removed and re-installed, with the proper documentation, but what an expense! Field Approvals are not allowed on autopilots.  Homebuilt (experimental) aircraft are exempt from these rules.

Question: I bought a used S-Tec System 40 off of Ebay, and it came out of a Cessna 172N. I want to install it into my Beechcraft. Can I do this?

Answer: No. S-Tec/Meggit will not modify and certify the system, nor provide the STC, Installation documentation, nor the Letter of Authorization to use the STC.

Question: I bought a used Century IIB autopilot form an aircraft dismantling facility (Salvage Yard) that was installed in a Piper PA-23 Aircraft. I want to install it into my Piper PA-30. Can I do this?

Answer: Yes (at the present time). However, the installation kit and STC documentation must be purchased from Century Flight Systems, along with the Letter of Authorization to use the STC. The cost varies, it is expensive, and usually means the cost of the used system is equal to or greater than new price.

Question: I purchased a complete King KFC-200 Autopilot system including the Flight Director and HSI system from a salvaged Cessna  P210N. I want the system installed in my Cessna P210N. Can I do this?

Answer: No. Honeywell will not issue a Letter of Authorization to use the STC for used equipment (unless you can convince them otherwise).

The FAA has revised the rules and regulations on the use of STC's when installed on certificated aircraft. The Letter of Authorization to use an STC on a specific aircraft comes from the STC holder, and is submitted with the required FAA paperwork.

Question: Why the change when it was done with much less hassle in the past?

Answer: To ensure the installation is done with the STC holders permission, which also signifies to the FAA that the proper documentation, parts, and equipment are installed by  a facility approved by the manufacture. It is a liability issue, for both the Equipment Manufacture' and the FAA.

A letter of Authorization is required for ALL STC's, not just Autopilots. Some are blanket approvals with an AML (Like Bracket Air Filters), while others are Aircraft Make, Model, and Serial Number specific (like Autopilots).

Are there are ways around the rules? Yes,  there are those who can, and will, falsify the  documentation, and may or may not do the work to the industry standards.  However, sooner, rather than later, it shows up. The consequences can range from problems when selling your aircraft, to a major malfunction which causes a mishap in which the post accident investigation reveals the aircraft was not maintained in accordance with the FAR's.  Your insurance company can deny  the claim, or worse,  the possibility that you, your passengers, and/or those on the ground pay the ultimate price.

If you are ever in doubt, or just have a question,  call us, or your local FSDO, and get the facts. No matter what you may perceive, the majority of FAA inspectors are honest, hard working people that have been there, done that, and are trying to keep you alive! Remember, I said most.