Mitchell, Edo-Aire, and Century Flight Systems

Repair Services

Many aircraft manufactured in the United States since 1965 have had a Mitchell Autopilot system installed, either as Factory New Equipped, or Retro-Fit . Many variants of these autopilots are still installed and in use today, look at the Piper Altimatic Systems!  Mitchell became Edo-Aire, and now finally as Century Flight Systems. From the early "chain driven you have to pull hard" systems with RF noise, to a modern solid state Century I-II-III-IV of the 70's, to the increasingly more advanced 21/31/41 systems of the 80's, with the 90's bringing us the revolutionary C2000,  and now the latest in advance Autopilot control, the Triden Series.  No other manufacture has such a complete history that still has them in the business of building autopilot systems as Century. As with all things, those early RF systems are (for the most part) gone. Some aircraft are on their 2d, 3rd, or 4th autopilot systems. While I am not of the age to have seen most of these early systems make their way into the GA fleet, I have had the opportunity to remove a lot of them for upgrades to the newer, more advanced, autopilot systems.

Blue Angel Aviation is one of the United States leaders when it comes to autopilot installations, alignments, and repairs on all the Century (Edo, Mitchell) autopilots. We have invested in the test equipment, tools, and talent to keep your autopilot system running at peak performance. There are times when you really need to think about upgrading, and it's at those times I will sit down with you and discuss your options, Repair or Replace.

Here are some things to consider when you are looking for technical advice when it comes to your Century Autopilot system:

1. Does the Avionics shop have the qualified personnel who can work on my Autopilot?

    Answer: Many shops are capable of exchanging boxes, but do they have the experience and qualified personnel to really troubleshoot YOUR system to give you a real answer.

2. My Avionics shop says my current system is beyond economical repair, to expensive to keep running, or are they just unable to do repairs. What should I do?

    Answer: Ask you self this. Is the shop here to support you, or are they just pushing New Installations. If they don't maintain the system you have currently installed, will they be able maintain the new system they recommend?

3. Why should I use your facility?

    Answer: At Blue Angel Aviation we have purchased the equipment needed to maintain your Century Autopilot, including the high cost of qualified personnel. If your Autopilot needs to be upgraded, I will show you what all your options are. If your Autopilot needs to be repaired, we will discuss what work needs to be done (including the cost analysis) to keep you flying safe.