DFC90/100 (and R9) and the PA32

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   We keep getting requests for products (mostly the R9 and the DFC90/100) that support the PA32.
R9:

For the R9 system, we are actually quite close.   We have completed all company flight test for the R9 and PA32 aircraft and will be re-locating the test aircraft back up to MA in the next week or so in preparation for the final FAA flight evaluation  When that FAA flight evaluation is complete, we'll submit the final paperwork package.   That will cover pre-Entegra equipped PA32s with STec 55x autopilots.

Within a few months of completing that, we will add Entegra equipped Saratogas to that STC.

DFC90/100:

We have also flown the DFC90/100 system on PA32s and have a software model for that type.   Autopilots are on a separate STC and therefore we have to start that project with the FAA.

The good news is that we have no more software development to do on the PA32 autopilot.  The other good news is that we have several volunteer aircraft with the right configuration to use as cert platforms.  And the third piece of good news is that we only have to demonstrate one configuration (Aspen or Avidyne  PFD - DFC90 or R9 - DFC100) and the other comes comes for free on the STC.

The not-quite-as-good news is that we don't have a specific schedule for completing the DFC cert on the PA32.  We are trying to find a time to fit it in between our other IOUs on the Barons, Bonanzas, Avidyne servos and Century servo support.

I will be sure to provide an update on this thread when that status changes.

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
AviJake Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 26 Mar 2009 Location: Lincoln MA Status: Offline Points: 2815	Post Options Post Reply Quote AviJake Report Post Thanks(2) Quote Reply Topic: DFC90/100 (and R9) and the PA32 Posted: 04 Oct 2012 at 8:27pm
	We keep getting requests for products (mostly the R9 and the DFC90/100) that support the PA32. R9: For the R9 system, we are actually quite close. We have completed all company flight test for the R9 and PA32 aircraft and will be re-locating the test aircraft back up to MA in the next week or so in preparation for the final FAA flight evaluation When that FAA flight evaluation is complete, we'll submit the final paperwork package. That will cover pre-Entegra equipped PA32s with STec 55x autopilots. Within a few months of completing that, we will add Entegra equipped Saratogas to that STC. DFC90/100: We have also flown the DFC90/100 system on PA32s and have a software model for that type. Autopilots are on a separate STC and therefore we have to start that project with the FAA. The good news is that we have no more software development to do on the PA32 autopilot. The other good news is that we have several volunteer aircraft with the right configuration to use as cert platforms. And the third piece of good news is that we only have to demonstrate one configuration (Aspen or Avidyne PFD - DFC90 or R9 - DFC100) and the other comes comes for free on the STC. The not-quite-as-good news is that we don't have a specific schedule for completing the DFC cert on the PA32. We are trying to find a time to fit it in between our other IOUs on the Barons, Bonanzas, Avidyne servos and Century servo support. I will be sure to provide an update on this thread when that status changes.
	Steve Jacobson sjacobson@avidyne.com

AviJake Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 26 Mar 2009 Location: Lincoln MA Status: Offline Points: 2815	Post Options Post Reply Quote AviJake Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 Oct 2012 at 8:30pm
	For those of you equipped with Century servos in your PA32, the timing support for the DFC is not yet clear. We will focus first on the STec and DFC90 autopilot support and after that, look to see how/when we can support Century servos.
	Steve Jacobson sjacobson@avidyne.com

Jester Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 04 Oct 2012 Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote Jester Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 Oct 2012 at 9:44pm
	Thanks for the info and look forward to the updates.

jsamford Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 30 Jan 2013 Location: Savannah, GA Status: Offline Points: 11	Post Options Post Reply Quote jsamford Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jan 2013 at 4:13pm
	I am in the process of looking to purchase a Piper 6X, which I would ultimately like to equip with the R9 system. I have three questions: 1. When do you expect the R9 upgrade will be available for the PA32? 2. Will the upgrade be available only to replace an earlier Avidyne system, or will it be available for a plane with steam gauges, and, if so, what would be the price difference? I can purchase a considerably cheaper slightly older 6X with steam guages if that could be upgraded for a similar cost. 3. What other avionics should I look for in a plane to work well with R9 (such as autopilots, GPS, etc)? P.S. I would love to be an early adopter of such an upgrade but need to know the best plane to buy. Edited by jsamford - 30 Jan 2013 at 4:15pm

oskrypuch Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 09 Nov 2012 Location: CYFD Status: Offline Points: 3061	Post Options Post Reply Quote oskrypuch Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jan 2013 at 6:56pm
	Jake, Any chance of an STC for PA28? There are a lot larger, big engine Cherokees that are solid long range IFR aircraft, and could really benefit from a DFC90. In particular one PA28-236. ;-) * Orest Edited by oskrypuch - 30 Jan 2013 at 6:58pm

AviJake Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 26 Mar 2009 Location: Lincoln MA Status: Offline Points: 2815	Post Options Post Reply Quote AviJake Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jan 2013 at 7:38pm
	Reference the Saratoga questions: 1. Too gun shy to estimate. We've been working on this one for a long time. The FAA has concluded all their flying in the R9 Saratoga but they have a few issues that we're trying to work through. 2. When it does get approved, it will apply to steam gauge Saratogas for sure. From our perspective, there is no price difference for the Avidyne gear. 3. I think the most important one would be a STec 55X autopilot. That will make the transition the easiest. I know Dave Featherston at NexAir Avionics in Mansfield MA has some strong thoughts on best airplanes and configurations for Saratoga R9 upgrades when the time is right.
	Steve Jacobson sjacobson@avidyne.com

AviJake Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 26 Mar 2009 Location: Lincoln MA Status: Offline Points: 2815	Post Options Post Reply Quote AviJake Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jan 2013 at 7:40pm
	Orest, We agree the PA28 family is a good candidate airplane for the DFC90 autopilot. We have great familiarity with those airplanes since a number of the later model variants have Avidyne Entegra displays in them. So yes, there is a chance of the DFC90 for those birds.
	Steve Jacobson sjacobson@avidyne.com

paulr Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 24 Jan 2014 Status: Offline Points: 558	Post Options Post Reply Quote paulr Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21 Aug 2014 at 10:58am
	Steve, did y'all ever certify the DFC90 for the PA32? If not, is that still in the plan?

AviJake Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 26 Mar 2009 Location: Lincoln MA Status: Offline Points: 2815	Post Options Post Reply Quote AviJake Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21 Aug 2014 at 11:30am
	Not certified yet but we did fly it extensively and have the software model built for the Saratoga. Still in the plans but no active program right now due to internal prioritization. Not clear when we'll take it over the finish line for the Saratoga.
	Steve Jacobson sjacobson@avidyne.com

b1drvr Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 15 Oct 2014 Status: Offline Points: 1	Post Options Post Reply Quote b1drvr Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 15 Oct 2014 at 10:24am
	Hey Avidyne- I'd like to add my name to the list of those hoping to see a PA28 STC for the DFC90. I've been holding off on a major aircraft upgrade until this particular unit hits the shelves. Need a donor aircraft?? ;-)

pburger Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 26 Dec 2013 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 406	Post Options Post Reply Quote pburger Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 15 Oct 2014 at 2:44pm
	PA28R-200 2013: new paint Spring 2014: new interior Fall 2014: IFD-540 Next: new autopilot? -- Avidyne? After that: bankruptcy?

pjdavis67 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 15 Aug 2015 Location: KISP Status: Offline Points: 1	Post Options Post Reply Quote pjdavis67 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 16 Aug 2015 at 10:02am
	Any news/updates on the DFC90/100 for the PA32 in the past few years??? Any idea when/if this will be available?

AviJake Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 26 Mar 2009 Location: Lincoln MA Status: Offline Points: 2815	Post Options Post Reply Quote AviJake Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 16 Aug 2015 at 11:14am
	DFC/R9 for the PA32 is not an active project right now. There are no plans in the immediate future to add that to the active project pile. Not saying it's not on the longer term to-do list but definitely not something that will be done in the next year or so.
	Steve Jacobson sjacobson@avidyne.com