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DFC90 for the Baron, Bonanza and Skylane

Printed From: Avidyne
Category: Avidyne General
Forum Name: DFC90/DFC100 Digital Autopilot
Forum Description: Topics on the Avidyne DFC Digital Autopilots
URL: http://forums.avidyne.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=166
Printed Date: 25 Dec 2024 at 2:21am
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Topic: DFC90 for the Baron, Bonanza and Skylane
Posted By: AviJake
Subject: DFC90 for the Baron, Bonanza and Skylane
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2011 at 12:15pm
Avidyne announced on 25 July 2011 DFC90 support for the Barons, Bonanza's and Skylane.  We've created some data sheets for those aircraft to help see if your airplane meets the minimum requirements and is one of the supported configurations.  They will be available on http://www.dfc90.com - www.dfc90.com .  For now, they can be accessed via these links:

http://www.avidyne.com/downloads/products/dfc90/DFC90-Baron.pdf - Baron:  
http://www.avidyne.com/downloads/products/dfc90/DFC90-Bonanza.pdf - Bonanza:
http://www.avidyne.com/downloads/products/dfc90/DFC90-Skylane.pdf - Skylane:

Please see the http://avidynelive.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=70&title=dfc90-dfc100-faq - FAQ thread for more information on the DFC90.

For those interested in hearing about the equipment that can be removed and installed in King autopilot replacements, click on this http://www.avidyne.com/downloads/products/dfc90/dfc90-kingair.pdf - link for a quick reference table.






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Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com



Replies:
Posted By: etekberg
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2011 at 10:03am
Any info on what gets removed for the Century autopilots yet?


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2011 at 7:43pm
Yes, let me dig it up and add to the thread.  I may be delayed until Friday however.

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Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 06 Aug 2011 at 10:11am
For Century III aircraft, the following items can be removed:
 

D.G
Control Console
Artificial Horizon
Computer Amplifier
Radio Coupler
Glide Slope Coupler

The ADI may be retained for the backup when installing the Aspen. An Out-of -Trim sensor is a separate unit in some installations and may or may not be removed.  Avidyne needs access to an out of trim sensor so that our flight control computer knows how much trim command to continuously issue.


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: etekberg
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2011 at 3:04pm
That list seems a bit incomplete.  Here is the list of Century III equipment from the maintenance manual.

Console 1C404
Amplifier 1C515-1
Artificial Horizon 52D67
Directional Gyro 52D54
Altitude Hold Sensor 1C407
Roll Servo 1C363-1-306R
Pitch Servo 1C508-1-346P
Radio Coupler 1C388-?
Glide Slope Coupler 1C493
Automatic Pitch Trim Amplifier 1C671
Automatic Pitch Trim Servo 1C373-5-315
Automatic Pitch Trim Sensor 1C647-315
Automatic Pitch Trim Switch 30B416
Automatic Pitch Trim Relay Box 1A526




Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2011 at 8:01pm
Agreed.  Thanks for being more precise.

Able to be removed:

Control Console 1C404  (instrument panel)
Computer Amplifier 1C515-1  (aircraft radio rack)
Artificial Horizon 52D67  (instrument panel)
Directional Gyro 52D54  (instrument panel)
Altitude Hold Sensor 1C407  (aircraft radio rack)
Radio Coupler 1C388-()  (instrument panel)
Glide Slope Coupler 1C493  (behind instrument panel)
Automatic Pitch Trim Amplifier 1C671  (aft of rear baggage compartment)



Retain in aircraft as part of the DFC90 upgrade:

Roll Servo 1C363-1-306R  (aft of main gear well)
Pitch Servo 1C508-1-346P  (aft of station 216 near centerline of aircraft)
Automatic Pitch Trim Servo 1C373-5-315
Automatic Pitch Trim Sensor 1C647-315  (aft of station 233 near centerline of aircraft)
Automatic Pitch Trim Switch 30B416  (pilot's control wheel)



Still need to verify removal/retention status:

Automatic Pitch Trim Relay Box 1A526




-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2011 at 10:53am
We just noticed an error in that two models of Bonanzas (or Debonairs) were missing from the supported aircraft model list.

The 35-C33 and E33C will both be supported aircraft models.


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Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2011 at 1:03pm
11 Nov 2011 Update:

We're busy plugging away working through the integration details of the DFC90 with the Aspen PFD and lab testing/characterizing the various S-Tec and King servos.  We also have Century servos in our lab for that testing.

We are flying the Aspen PFD with our DFC90 in our company aircraft and Aspen is about to start doing the same in their company aircraft.

We may be light on progress reports during the rest of the fall/winter as we work through all those integration details.

We expect to finish the C-182 STC for 28V aircraft first and have that followed shortly by 28V BE-33s and 28V BE-36s.   V-tail BE-35s and the Baron models are right after that.


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 29 Dec 2011 at 1:41pm
29 Dec 2011 Update:

Avidyne has two Aspen-equipped and DFC90-equipped C-182s that we're using for development and certification platforms and Aspen now has their company SR22 equipped with an Aspen PFD and DFC90 autopilot.  We believe the Aspen attitude and nav output performance is now acceptable and we are working on the user interface for the Aspen PFD.

We are running two aircraft certifications in parallel.  Aspen will achieve the STC on the SR2X aircraft and Avidyne will achieve the STC on the 182 platforms.

Avidyne also has long-term possession of a 1984 F33A Bonanza.  This is a King servo equipped airplane.  We are currently running characterization testing of the MET circuit so we understand pitch trim speed, responsiveness, bandwidth, circuit design, etc.  As soon as we are done with that MET testing, we will run the aerodynamic model flight tests (January 2012) where we measure the aircraft response to various control inputs which then gets rolled back into the DFC90 aero model and software.   Next steps after that are to install an Aspen PFD in that airplane.

I expect the next meaningful milestone to report on will be the completion of the user interface mods to the Aspen PFD.


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: etekberg
Date Posted: 29 Dec 2011 at 2:22pm
Any word on when the 14V BE-36 models will be tackled?  Thanks.


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 30 Dec 2011 at 10:05am
Hi Eric,

We're going to knock out some of the 28V aircraft first.  The 14V hardware will be ready a few months later.  With your combination of 14V and Century servos, you'll likely be on the 2nd wave of BE-36s.   I think that translates to "late 2012".


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Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: mpradel
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2012 at 2:32pm
Jake,

Let's get the Duke on that list too. there's a lot of them out there flying around in Century IVs.

I don't know of a single Duke owner that would blink @ 20K entry price.. 

Yes, I already have Dual Aspen PFDs. 


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2012 at 2:50pm
Hi Marcus,

I couldn't remember what a Duke was so I had to look it up on Xtranormal (http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/7798817/dukes-explained) for a refresher.....

Sorry, couldn't help myself.   But I do agree that anyone who flies a Duke does look cool.

In all seriousness, we agree that the Duke would also make a great platform for the DFC90.   As with the other airframes we haven't announced yet, we're intentionally not announcing any additional aircraft until we work off our current IOUs and that goes for the Duke for now.  We understand your (and many other Duke owners) strong desire for an advanced autopilot for your plane and we hope to help you out in the not-too-distant future.

In the meantime, consider it "on the contender list".


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: A36 Kevin
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2012 at 8:10pm
AviJake,
I and my partners in an A36 Bonanza are hoping to upgrade to the DFC090 as soon as it is approved for our 'bird'.
We have:
Aspen 1000
Century III A/P
Garmin GNS530
and are 12V electrical system
How is the schedule looking?
A36 Kevin


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A36 Kevin


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 06 Sep 2012 at 9:15am
Hi Kevin,

We're definitely making good progress but not quite done.  I'll provide a more detailed post when I return to the office on Monday but we're focused first on the Stec servo integration and then will finish the Avidyne servo and Century servo integrations.


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Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: Mry110
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2012 at 1:19pm

Will you release the product as you get these approvals, or will you wait until they are all approved? I have an Aspen 2000 and a STEC-55X autopilot.



Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2012 at 5:05pm
Yes, we will release them as we knock out the individual certifications.  (BTW, what type of plane do you have?)

First up will be the Cessna 182s (14V or 28V) that have Stec servos.
Next up will be the 14V or 28V Bonanzas (33, 35, 36) that have Stec servos.
After that we'll add the Barons (55, 58) with Stec servos.

Then we'll see if the Avidyne servos are ready by then or is it time to hit the Century servo integrations.


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: Mry110
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2012 at 10:03pm
Bonanza A36 28v. Thanks for the info!


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2012 at 10:17pm
Okay, great.  Then the fall of 2012 *should* be very good to you and us.

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Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: A36 Kevin
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2012 at 10:46am
So again,
any estimate (month/year) as to when a Bonanza (14V) with Century III A/P servos may be 'in play?'


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A36 Kevin


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2012 at 12:51pm
Hi Kevin,

I'm not comfortable estimating any completion of Century servo integration until at least the spring of 2013.  As I look at the remaining calendar left in 2012 and stack of projects to complete before we can apply full attention to Century servo integration, I think the spring of 2013 looks to be the best case scenario with Centurys.  I know it's not what you would prefer to hear but I think that reflects reality.


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: A36 Kevin
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2012 at 3:11pm
Appreciate the candor, Jake
It helps with our planning, thanks!


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A36 Kevin


Posted By: rolfe_tessem
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2012 at 2:17pm
Jake,

I would like to purchase the complete DFC90 including servos for a 14V Bonanza 35. 

What time frame are we looking at?

Thanks!


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2012 at 8:01pm
We'll be starting the final cert effort for the V35 (and other Bonanza models) as soon as we get the Cessna 182 cert under our belts.   This initial Bonanza cert will cover both 14V and 28V variants but will require pre-existing STec servos.

From your 2:17pm post on 9/11, it sounds like you also need the Avidyne servos.  If that is true, then you'll have about another 6 months to wait as we finish development and cert of those servos.   When those servos are done, we'll amend the existing DFC aircraft certs to add the Avidyne servos as another valid configuration.   Remember too, that we expect to integrate with existing STec and then Century servos but if you had anything else, you will need the Avidyne servos.

-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: rolfe_tessem
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2012 at 9:43pm
Jake,

This is still a little unclear. 

If I add 6 months to what? I don't know whether your Cessna 182 cert will happen tomorrow or 3 months from now. Or even approximately how long the Bonanza cert will take after that.

Could you please clarify?

Thanks!


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2012 at 8:52am
There are a lot of variables still at play so accurate calendar estimates are difficult.   We believe the following sequence is most likely:

STec servo and Aspen PFD equipped C-182s - September 2012 STC/TSO/Shipping
STec servo and Aspen PFD equipped Bonanzas (14 or 28V) - late fall 2012 STC/TSO/Shipping
Avidyne servo and Aspen PFD equipped Bonanzas or Barons or Skylanes (14V or 28V) - late spring 2013 STC/TSO/Shipping

Those last two dates could slide around, both earlier and later, depending on some of those variables I mention above.



-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: rolfe_tessem
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2012 at 9:18am
Thanks very much for the clarification -- that is what I was looking for. I understand that estimates are difficult and are just that -- estimates.


Posted By: Mry110
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2012 at 2:42pm
AviJake,
 Notice all the Bonanza guys asking all the questions, hint, hint, nudge, nudge ;).


Posted By: A36 Kevin
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2012 at 5:27pm
Yet ANOTHER question, Jake!
A36 with Century III servos
Will you be attacking that combo AFTER you do the Avidyne servos?
If so, that sounds like summer 2013 or later?  Our A36 A/P is down right now and I'm trying to figure out if we can wait or not.  (I'm in flight test so I DO know how schedules slide!)  Thanks for you're patience!  We're just excited about that DFC90!


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A36 Kevin


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2012 at 7:45pm
Hi Kevin,

We love the excitement. We wish it were all done too.

For your specific question, the answer is "I'm not sure".  Now for a little color.   Our servo development is (sort of) a parallel development with our other autopilot development work.  While we're "waiting" for certain milestones to be achieved on the Avidyne servo, we are continuing along with the Bonanza and Baron certs using the STec servos.   When we're done with the STec servo certs with the DFC90 in those Bonanzas and Barons, we then look at the state of the Avidyne servo development.  If it hasn't hit those specific internal milestones, then we'll move on to the Century servo integration while we wait for the Avidyne servo to reach those milestones.   So in effect, it is a race to see which we get to attack next - Avi servo or Century integration.   All the more reason for us to get the Stec certs done on the Bonanza and Barons as soon as we can.

I know that doesn't help much with your planning - I feel your pain.


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Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: A36 Kevin
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2012 at 8:20pm
Thanks Jake!
I know you have to execute the most efficient flight test plan that makes sense for your total statement of work.  You know much more the details of that than we do as you are immersed in it!
 
My only comment and thought, from a marketing standpoint is where is your bigger market for DFC90s?  It would think there are quite a few Bonanzas and Barons that may be waiting to utilize their existing Century servos and just replace their Century A/P 'brains' with the DFC90s rather than replace their servos with either new Avidyne servos or that might have existing STec servos.  Are there very many Bonanzas and/or Barons that have STec servos/Autopilots?  Seems like that number would be low and that there might be a pretty big market for Century A/P equipped Bonanzas and Barons out there....  I'll be quiet now...  sign me "waiting patiently in Seattle!"  Wishing you all at Avidyne quick success with your flight testing on the DFC90!


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A36 Kevin


Posted By: Mry110
Date Posted: 13 Sep 2012 at 10:56am

The DFC90 started with the Cirrus and all of the Cirri have the 55X. I think they were looking at the following path:

Cirrus with Stec -> Stec now proven, lets expand airframe to 182,Bo,Baron with Stecs -> 4 Airframes available lets expand the servos -> Lets make our own servos ->Future expand to more airframes(?)
 
Just my guess as to what went on behind the scenes.


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 13 Sep 2012 at 6:34pm
Don't forget about the integration with the Aspen PFD.  That was a big part and long effort.

-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: A36 Kevin
Date Posted: 13 Sep 2012 at 6:49pm
Yes that is appreciated and a big part of what makes this desirable!  We already have the Aspen. You know, a digital A/P with digital attitude source in GA aircraft is something I never thought I would see in my lifetime.  I know Garmin has done it....  But the great thing about this is that we can do it in stages which makes this something that is relatively affordable!  Plus, being able to do this while using existing A/P servos (Century in our case) makes this very compelling.  I think you have a winning approach and should do well with this!  Thanks again for your efforts! 

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A36 Kevin


Posted By: Mry110
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2012 at 10:30am
Any news on the Bonanza STC? It's been quiet around here.


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2012 at 3:11pm
Thanks for the prod.   Our first cert platform is the V-tail Bonanza (14V and 28V).  We're working with the FAA now to schedule their evaluation flight for that.  It is shaping up to be the 1st or 2nd week of December based on their availability (we're ready to go but FAA availability has been a challenge).  Assuming that exercise is uneventful, we should have STC within 30 days of that milestone.

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Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: TurboPA30
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2012 at 1:46am
Do you have a table for the required S-Tec servo part numbers for a short body Bonanza 33 installation (14V) similar to the one for King?


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 19 Nov 2012 at 10:28am
I can dig one up but at the top level, it's any servo that currently works with the STec 30, 50, 55, 55X, 60-2, 65.

When do you need that information?


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Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: TurboPA30
Date Posted: 19 Nov 2012 at 10:40am
Really would appreciate, before or right after Thanksgiving is OK.
Kind Regards
Robert


Posted By: oskrypuch
Date Posted: 20 Nov 2012 at 9:27pm
So the STEC 40 and the STEC 60PSS are specifically excluded, and their servos are NOT compatible??

* Orest



Posted By: oskrypuch
Date Posted: 27 Nov 2012 at 10:29pm
{bump}


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 29 Nov 2012 at 8:01am
28 Nov 2012 Progress Update:

As previously reported here, we have flown and created autopilot software models for the 33, 35 and 36 series of Bonanzas and the 55 and 58 series of Barons.

We are now in the certification phase for the 35 series of Bonanzas.  We have a customer aircraft at our facility in Melbourne FL undergoing modifications to remove the old autopilot gear (leaving servos intact) and replacing it with a DFC90 that will be driven by the already installed Aspen PFD.  That aircraft should be ready to perform FAA certification flight testing in mid-December using that software model we created this past summer.  At that point, we *should* be a month or less away from the first Bonanza cert.   The next Bonanza model after that is expected to be the A36.

We are still negotiating with the FAA on adding the DFC90 to Aspen-equipped Cirrus.  The principal subject of the negotiations involve whether or not the FAA needs to fly/evaluate that installation themselves or if Avidyne performed and supplied test results will be sufficient.  We hope to have resolution on that decision in the next few weeks.

As for the Avidyne servos, we have just completed a modest redesign of the servos after we found they wouldn't meet all of our design goals.  We're starting the manufacturing of the next round of prototypes that we expect to use in flight test and hardware/software/environmental qualification and certification.  That design tweak took a long time and a lot of effort but seems to be back on track now.

If those Avidyne servos are done with qual in time, then we plan to use them in the A36 cert. If they are not, we will cert a STec equipped A-36.  The Century servo equipped aircraft are still in our plan but will be sequenced behind the first A36 cert (Avi servo or STec servo).

Barons are also being worked into the sequence but precise date estimates are not available until we work off some of the above mentioned tasks.



-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 29 Nov 2012 at 8:04am
Orest,

I'll spend some time later today looking at those STec servo model numbers but in general the 40 and 60PSS were not supported mainly because they do not have a vertical axis component, and therefore no pitch and pitch trim servos installed.  I'm aware there is an upgrade path to convert them into true lateral and vertical axis autopilots and the thing I hope to check on is whether or not those roll axis servos in the 40 and 60PSS are the same as the supported Stec dual axis autopilots.


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Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: oskrypuch
Date Posted: 30 Nov 2012 at 8:00pm
Understand what you are saying.

However, the STEC 40 + STEC 60PSS together (as installed in my aircraft) give you the same functionality as an STEC 60 alone, with roll, pitch and pitch trim controlled. However the pitch trim control is an option.

Thanks for checking.

* Orest



Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 10 Dec 2012 at 8:01pm
10 Dec 2012 Progress Update:

While I can't declare we have the Bonanza certified yet, we still have good news to report nonetheless.

Our modifications of the V-tail 35 customer aircraft we are borrowing is expected to be complete by Thursday of this week and official flight testing should begin on Friday (14 Dec).

In parallel with this, two of us met live with the FAA today to talk about the details and the extent to which the FAA is delegating approval authority to Avidyne as part of the Bonanza and Baron DF90 certs.  They agreed to three very important wins today:

1.  For this first Bonanza cert, they are delegating half of the approvals to Avidyne (this will save weeks of calendar time for the cert);

2  Given the amount of delegation planned, this will keep the cert project out of "Sequencing".  That means it won't go into the potentially very lengthy wait black hole;

3.  On the subsequent Bonanza and Baron certs, and assuming all goes well on our first delegation, they intend to delegate virtually the entire certification efforts, saving even more time.

In that same meeting, we talked through the details of the similarity argument we're making to get the SR22 with Aspen PFD and Avidyne DFC90 cert.   The devil is always in the details (and there are a LOT of details with autopilot certs) but the gist of the argument is that since Aspen is certified in the SR2x, the Avidyne DFC90 is certified for the SR2x, the Aspen PFD and Avidyne DFC are certified together in the Cessna 182, then by similarity, the Aspen PFD-Avidyne DFC90 in a Cirrus SR2x will be approved with no flight test or FAA involvement required.  I bet we'll be actively performing that project in the 2nd half of January 2013 now that we have some details hammered out.


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: twalterhome3
Date Posted: 04 Jan 2013 at 12:48am
any update for the new year?
it's now been 12 months since I prepaid for my DFC90 and IFD540
i'm really hoping the wait is nearly over !



-------------
Tim


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 04 Jan 2013 at 12:24pm
4 Jan 2013 DFC90 STC Progress Update:

We keep creeping toward the finish line for the first Bonanza DFC90 cert.   We, Avidyne, are the current choke point for the first Bonanza cert.
 
As noted above, we have borrowed and modified a customer aircraft to have the DFC90 wired in in a fully conformed and certifiable manner.   We were just about to begin the formal, delegated, for-credit flight test when we found a pre-existing non-conformity with the airplane.  We've spent the past few days trying to clear that up and when we're complete, we'll start the formal flight test. That formal flight test should only last a few days and then we submit our final paperwork.
 
In the meantime, we've also submitted our STC cert plan to the FAA for the SR2x DFC90 STC amendment that adds the Aspen PFD to the STC.  We're waiting on FAA action on that one.  Depending on other FAA workload, we are still hopeful for approval on that one before the end of January, however, we have no confirmation/acknowledgment of that from the FAA yet.


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 25 Jan 2013 at 8:29am
25 Jan 2013 DFC90 STC Progress Update:

Still inching toward the finish line for that first Bonanza (V35) DFC90 cert.   We seem to have gotten through a few airplane conformity/configuration issues with the customer airplane (see BeechTalk thread titled "First Pix of a DFC90 in a Beechcraft" thread if interested).

We've gotten through almost all of the formal for-credit flights and *should* be all done by next week with that.  As a side note, it's been a blessing to have been working with the specific customer who loaned us his airplane - he is exceptionally understanding on the way Integration and Test work and STC efforts that involve tons of moving parts.

As for the rest of the Bonanza and Baron configurations we've stated our gameplan to be, we're still pressing ahead with them.  The level of frustration and length of time involved for these it-shouldn't-be-so-complex-but-it-is integrations and cert is shared by all of us inside and outside the company.   It'll take a while but we'll get through it.   The nature of this stuff means we have more roadblocks ahead of us, some our doing, and a lot not our doing, and we'll likely continue to audible internal ordering and priorities to deal with them but we'll just keep plugging away.

We've got tough sledding still ahead of us but it isn't deterring us.   For those few who have graciously put some money down to secure early pricing, we thank you and want to remind anyone that while your money is safe as can be, you can get it back pronto by just asking.

I hope none of this is interpreted as defensive or in any way back sliding.  It's a heck of a ride toward enlightenment, at least on our end.....


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: twalterhome3
Date Posted: 25 Jan 2013 at 1:16pm
Thanks again for the update,
it really helps our peace of mind to get any news however small, so keep 'em coming.
It's been a long road, and we all know there's a lot more ahead, but this is the most exciting product developed for GA for many years, once the certification process is complete, it will have all been worth it !

Tim Walter
Beech A36TC Aspen/KFC200
still waiting for the day :)



-------------
Tim


Posted By: TurboPA30
Date Posted: 27 Jan 2013 at 2:25am
How are the Avidyne Servos coming along? Are you planning to offer a Bonanza install kit with brackets for clean sheet installations?


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 27 Jan 2013 at 9:48am
Avidyne servos are coming along slowly.  We concluded that we weren't happy with the performance and specs a few months ago so we went into a modest redesign effort to improve those and the costs.

When they do come out, they definitely will come along with install kit options for clean sheet installations.


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: ddgates
Date Posted: 27 Jan 2013 at 5:58pm
Steve,

Would your wild guess for that be more or less than another 12 months?


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David Gates


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 27 Jan 2013 at 8:24pm
I'm not ready to say. It should be less but everything in this autopilot development effort keeps taking much longer than one would expect.

-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: ddgates
Date Posted: 27 Jan 2013 at 9:39pm
Fair enough.  Thanks, sir.

-------------
David Gates


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2013 at 9:32am
DFC90 STC Progress Update (3 Feb 2013):

We did complete the company testing of the V-tail Bonanza this past week (yesterday in fact) with no autopilot or performance anomalies noted.  Company test serves as the Avidyne official test-for-credit phase.

We now move onto FAA TIA testing this week.  This will be a comprehensive flight test profile which serves as the FAA official test-for-credit.   The good news is that the FAA has delegated these flights back to Avidyne to conduct.  Weather and schedules permitting, this should take about a calendar week.


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: SB Jim
Date Posted: 12 Feb 2013 at 2:28pm
Hello Jake,
 
I have a 1976 A36 Bonanza with a C-III; I have pre-purchased an IFD 540.
 
What are your current plans and expectations regarding the Century servos?


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 12 Feb 2013 at 7:21pm
Century servo support still in our plans but in the queue behind some other high priority efforts.  It's currently sequenced behind knocking out some of the Stec servo equipped airplanes and competing for attention with the Avidyne servos.   If I were a betting man (and I am), I'd bet the Century servo support is after the Avidyne servo cert.   There are so many moving parts that this could end up different but right now, that looks the most likely ordering.




-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: SB Jim
Date Posted: 12 Feb 2013 at 7:31pm
Hello Jake,
 
Aspen has given C-III owners the back burner place in the queue as well. No worries, my C-III is working well for now.
 
My long term plan is an IFD 540 talking to an Aspen Pro 1000 playing nicely with a DFC 90.
 
"If you build it, they will come".


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 12 Feb 2013 at 7:34pm
Understood Jim.

Like my dad keeps telling me, "Timing is everything...."


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: tindseth
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2013 at 3:53pm
Steve,
 
What is happening with the Bonanza Cert on Tony's airplane?  Long time no update.  Hope all is going well.
 
Regards,
 
Tom Indseth


-------------
Tom Indseth


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2013 at 11:33am
DFC90 STC Progress Update (22 Feb 2013):

Still creeping toward the finish line on the initial Bonanza cert for the DFC90.  We still have Tony's airplane and are trying to get TIA issued by the FAA.  As soon as the FAA issues TIA, we can move on to the FAA for-credit flights which should  take about a week to complete.  Will post an update when TIA is issued.


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: Baron
Date Posted: 19 Mar 2013 at 10:51am
Please don't forget about the Baron! B55 with Aspen PDF 1000 Pro, CIII autopilot and Avidyne FlightMax 750! Yes, I said 750...would like to upgrade but darn thing just won't break!!!
 
I see a DFC90 in my future if you offer it for the Baron. I don't see anything on the current certification schedule list posted on the DFC90 website...how about tacking it on the end to make us fee good! :)
 
Chick


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 20 Mar 2013 at 8:18pm
Hi Chick,

Barons, including the B55 is on the list.  It may take longer than we all want but we'll get there.  In the meantime, enjoy the solid 750.....


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: Baron
Date Posted: 01 Apr 2013 at 8:46pm
We are now into the second quarter of 2013. Any definitive word on when to expect movement in the certification process for the V tails?


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 01 Apr 2013 at 9:18pm
DFC90 STC Progress Update (1 Apr 2013):

Closer but not done. The lack of published data on flap wiring and flap position voltage proved very troublesome. Because these autopilot certs are so difficult, we did expand this Bonanza cert to all three model types (33, 35, 36) which should prove to be overall faster.


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: tindseth
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2013 at 9:38am
I have wondered about the flap position issue and the older aircraft. Mine is a 1956 G-35 with flap system either up, down or anywhere in between and no position sensor. Is this going to be an issue for the older airplanes and/or require flap position input?

-------------
Tom Indseth


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2013 at 4:45pm
Well maybe.   What we're planning on doing now, and have amended the paperwork for the FAA to reflect, is that wiring in the flap position will be optional.  If there is an approved set of drawings and a kit for someone's specific make/model/configuration, then that owner can elect to install the flap position pickoff and they have full access to all of the Full Time Envelope Alerting capabilities of the DFC90 (the specific two features are "Flap Overspeed" alert and "Caution Underspeed" alert when the servos are not engaged).    For those owners whose aircraft does not have a set of published drawings on flap position and the kit to legally install OR who elect to not spend the extra time and installation money, they can put the DFC90 in without wiring in the flap position.  In that case, those installs will not have the "Flap Overspeed" aural alert nor  the "Caution Underspeed" aural alert when the servos are not engaged.  Note that coupled flight (servos engaged) are not affected with respect to Underspeed protection - that is to say, Underspeed Protection is still fully functional in those aircraft and the definition of 1.2 Vs that it is based on, will always be no flap Vs since we wouldn't know the flap position.

Explanation clear enough?


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: tindseth
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2013 at 6:41pm
Thanks for the response Steve.  I believe I do understand what you described and hope the FAA see it the same way.  To have to add flap position to an older airplane would be a pain.
 
Again, good luck and keep us posted.  There are a lot of anxious folks ready to install the DFC90.
 
Regards,
 
Tom


-------------
Tom Indseth


Posted By: tindseth
Date Posted: 22 Apr 2013 at 4:17pm
Word on the street is Tony is getting his airplane back this week. Any news you can share at this time?

-------------
Tom Indseth


Posted By: ddgates
Date Posted: 23 Apr 2013 at 9:52am
There are several flap position scenarios in the Bonanza. The first has no indication. The second has an full up and full down indicator. The third has actual position indication. For the flap down speed protection, are the latter two workable?

Any update on the Avidyne servos?

-------------
David Gates


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2013 at 6:22pm
DFC90 STC Progress Update (27 Apr 2013):  

Today we finished the TIA (official FAA flight test) for the Bonanzas.   We'll take a few days to create the results report the FAA needs and then we wait a week or two for the FAA to grant TSO/STC.

The good news is that the FAA delegated the TIA  testing to us and the even better news is that the TSO/STC will be for all types of Bonanzas (33, 35, 36).

(As for David's questions about flaps, if we can get the voltage from the flap switch which we convert to flap position, then yes, we can provide flap overspeed cautions and use flap position to adjust stall speed for Envelope Alerting.     And for the question about Avidyne servos, there has been no meaningful progress since the last report.  It's going very slowly.).


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: etekberg
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2013 at 5:00am
Originally posted by AviJake AviJake wrote:

And for the question about Avidyne servos, there has been no meaningful progress since the last report.  It's going very slowly.).
Is that good news for us Century autopilot owners?


Posted By: tindseth
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2013 at 9:37am
Congratulations!!!!  That is good news and I'm looking forward to STC issue and kit availability.
 
Tom


-------------
Tom Indseth


Posted By: Baron
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2013 at 6:12pm
Originally posted by etekberg etekberg wrote:

Originally posted by AviJake AviJake wrote:

And for the question about Avidyne servos, there has been no meaningful progress since the last report.  It's going very slowly.).
Is that good news for us Century autopilot owners?

Congrats on the progress for all things Bonanza! As far as the Avidyne servos...you will sell 10 time more autopilots if you certify with existing equipment and develop the new servos for replacement down the road.

This, of course, spoken from a Baron flyer with a CIII and an Aspen. Bring us the autopilot and we will buy!!!!


Posted By: ddgates
Date Posted: 02 May 2013 at 6:54pm
With respect to Eric's post - I think there are more than a few bonanza owners with legacy, nonconforming, autopilots who need clean sheet installs - I would question the 10x assertion for install over STECs or Centurys. This group will require de novo servo installs.

-------------
David Gates


Posted By: Baron
Date Posted: 10 May 2013 at 10:17am
Is today the day?


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 10 May 2013 at 12:29pm
Today is the day indeed. We just received TSO/STC approval for the Avidyne DFC90 autopilot for the Bonanza about 15 minutes ago. I am on a XC flight right now but will post more details when I return later tonight.

-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: etekberg
Date Posted: 10 May 2013 at 3:21pm
Now that you have STEC approval, can we get an official update on the status and estimated completion date of the Century servo STC for the Bonanza's?


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 11 May 2013 at 8:16am
As for official updates on the status and estimated completion for Century servo STCs for Bonanza, I can't offer much detail right now.

I will say a few interesting developments are in play (sorry for not disclosing anything material) on that front and that I'll make a point of providing a real update prior to Oshkosh.

We are adjusting internal resources and priorities and that has impact (some positive and some not) on a variety of programs.  I wouldn't read too much into that statement but there are a lot of moving parts we're trying to align.

In the meantime, we'll immediately start field installations in STec equipped Bonanzas and see if anything interesting is learned in the process.


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: tindseth
Date Posted: 12 May 2013 at 5:45pm
The list of approved acft is for H-35's and later. What about the G-35's and earlier which have a different TDCS?

-------------
Tom Indseth


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 18 May 2013 at 2:26pm
Tom,

As you note, G-35's and earlier are on a different TCDS and not part of the initial Bonanza STC for the DFC90.  In a parallel thread on this forum ( http://avidynelive.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=275&title=dfc90-stc-for-bonanzas-granted-today" rel="nofollow - http://avidynelive.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=275&title=dfc90-stc-for-bonanzas-granted-today ) I pasted the models that are covered by the initial STC.

As a general rule, the FAA will not typically accept multiple TCDS on a single STC and as an absolute rule to date, the FAA will not recognize an AML STC for autopilots.  So, adding the G-35 and earlier is an entirely new STC effort.  It is not currently an active STC project for us but it's on the list to get to.


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: twalterhome3
Date Posted: 18 May 2013 at 4:26pm
Good news so far.
I know you can't commit to any dates, but realistically how far off is the DFC90 for King servos.
I assume that is the same as asking, when till Avidyne servos be done.

Again, I know you can't commit to dates, but is this a priority for Avidyne? are there other higher priority tasks etc?

I really want to get my DFC90 into me A36TC replacing my KFC200



-------------
Tim


Posted By: tindseth
Date Posted: 18 May 2013 at 8:46pm
I am very disappointed that the earlier models are not included nor planned for in the initial certification. I have repeatedly referenced my G-35 model in most all of my correspondence regarding the DFC90. I was an earliy promoter of the system and led to believe that my aircraft woulld be covered in the initial STC. The fact that you have no plans at this time to include it really bothers me after the efforts in planning, etc. And so life goes.

-------------
Tom Indseth


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 19 May 2013 at 9:40am
Hi Tom et al,

We're sorry the initial STC didn't cover your model - adding the extra TCDS models would have extended the already lengthy effort even more and did not make sense to do at the time.  We understand your disappointment and still intend to add the models.   To be very clear, we view there to be a big difference between "it's not currently an active STC project" and "have no plans at this time".    Adding the extra Bonanza TCDS is still on the to-do list and we have not backed away from that plan.

I know it won't mitigate Tom's disappointment but for anyone else considering the DFC90, please ask on this forum or send a direct email to me at sjacobson@avidyne.com for any specific model or configuration inclusions/questions.   As a reminder, the current plan of record for models and configurations are still current on this sheet:   http://www.avidyne.com/downloads/products/dfc90/DFC90-Bonanza.pdf" rel="nofollow - http://www.avidyne.com/downloads/products/dfc90/DFC90-Bonanza.pdf

Please see the note on the bottom of that page:  "Due to the large number of configurations represented here, there will be some, as yet to be identified, combinations that will
take longer to certify."

The "as yet to be identified" phrase is the one that I'm thinking might generate those extra forum questions and emails and we'll answer any of those we can.


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 19 May 2013 at 9:48am
As for the Avidyne servos and/or King Servo replacement, we're still working on that with moderate effort.  It's a very real and active program on our end but I'm estimating there are another 6-12 months of effort involved before they are a shippable product.  Therefore, while the Avidyne servo development effort continues, in parallel, we'll keep adding to the STC list for STec equipped, and likely Century equipped, aircraft.   For the  time being, those are two different groups of people within Avidyne so the parallel development efforts don't take away from each other.

-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: ddgates
Date Posted: 19 May 2013 at 1:47pm
Does shippable mean completed AND clean sheet STCed?

-------------
David Gates


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 19 May 2013 at 3:19pm
Yes but.....it's not 100% clear which airplane we'll use for the initial STC and therefore which make/model it will first be shippable for.  Right now our current plan of record is to use a F33A for that cert platform but if things drag out or circumstances change, the Bonanza *might* not be the first STC and shippable platform.

-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: ddgates
Date Posted: 19 May 2013 at 3:41pm
Thanks, Steve, I suspect you are getting tired of this guessing game. That said, it looks like a clean sheet install for my 35 could be even farther away?

-------------
David Gates


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 19 May 2013 at 8:48pm
No, I wouldn't say that.  I know you're struggling with trying to divine a plan for your airplane and I know you need a clean install.   The first cert we do with the Avidyne servos will work for a "clean sheet install". 

Our plan (and I have pretty high confidence it will play out this way) is that we'll use the long term loan F33A as the cert platform for the Avidyne servos.  If that ends up being the case, then that also means it'll work and be simultaneously certified for 33, 35 and 36 Bonanza models, both retrofit and clean sheet install.

There are a number of things that have the potential to throw a wrench in those plans but past performance says we'll find a way to tackle each one of them.


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: ddgates
Date Posted: 19 May 2013 at 9:17pm
That clarifies things and suggests there may be a path forward.

Thanks.

-------------
David Gates


Posted By: Baron
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2013 at 10:15pm
Steve,

Will you be updating the certification schedule on the website soon? Hoping to see the Baron series next.

Chick


Posted By: mah
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 11:47am
I have a Skylane (182P) with its original Navomatic, so at the moment it would seem an upgrade to the DFC90 cannot happen because my servos are insufficient. I'm anxiously awaiting the Avidyne servo solution, and from this thread I get the impression that it might be available in around 6 to 12 months for certain Beechcraft... 

Should I expect that the servos will be available for my Skylane (standard airworthiness, not experimental) at the same time, or should I add a minimum of 6 months to that?



Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 6:36pm
Chick,

If we haven't done so before then, we'll update that estimated timeline at Oshkosh.

MAH,

I would recommend a conservative assumption here.  In other words, I think it's prudent to assume Skylane availability would be a few months after the first cert of the Avidyne servo.  We are trying to make it simultaneous but that would break the mold with respect to how the FAA views autopilot related certs.


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: A36 Kevin
Date Posted: 01 Jul 2013 at 8:34pm
AviJake,
It has been awhile (about a year) since I last posted.  I and my partners have an A-36 with an Aspen, GNS530, and  Century III Autopilot.  And we just had all of our (Century III) servos rebuilt last winter!  You can imagine my next question!  Is the plan still to get the DFC90 certified to use existing Century servos?  If so, hazard a guess as to when?  (6 months, 2 years, maybe never?)
 
Thanks,
A36 Kevin
 


-------------
A36 Kevin


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2013 at 9:15am
Hi Kevin,

Integration with Century servos are still on the to-do list.   The priority when compared to getting the Avidyne servos done, certified and shipping keeps experiencing a lead change due to on-going developments with the Avidyne servo. There are times when the Avidyne servo development hits a speed bump such that it appears to make more sense to tackle the Century integration and then there are times when the Avidyne servo completion is the higher priority.  At this point, the Avidyne servo is ahead of the Century integration in our priority scheme.  Given that, I'd have to say we're a year away, at best on the Century completion.


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: etekberg
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2013 at 8:53am
Originally posted by AviJake AviJake wrote:

Hi Kevin,

Integration with Century servos are still on the to-do list.   The priority when compared to getting the Avidyne servos done, certified and shipping keeps experiencing a lead change due to on-going developments with the Avidyne servo. There are times when the Avidyne servo development hits a speed bump such that it appears to make more sense to tackle the Century integration and then there are times when the Avidyne servo completion is the higher priority.  At this point, the Avidyne servo is ahead of the Century integration in our priority scheme.  Given that, I'd have to say we're a year away, at best on the Century completion.


I can't express my disappointment with reading this.  I've paid in full for this product and have been waiting for almost two years now.  How does an Engineering company have massive schedule slips (over 100%) like this and not know about it until late in the development cycle?

Also, how do I learn about a massive schedule slip such as this?  Do I receive regular updates on product status via e-mail?  No, I have to deliberately seek out the information.


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2013 at 9:07am
Eric's disappointment is understandable and regrettable.

We'll be working on improving communication above/beyond this online forum.


-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: TurboPA30
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2013 at 11:25am
What is involved in upgrading a 33 Bonanza with S-Tec 60-2 (with yaw damper) to the DFC90? What harness/installation work is foreseen, and who will provide the parts for that? When would be a prudent time to schedule this upgrade with my avionics shop?


Posted By: AviJake
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2013 at 2:08pm
What exact model of the BE33 are you working with?   We can send you and/or your potential avionics shop the specific drawings and STC data so you can have a very precise understanding of the effort.

If you want to take it offline, email me at sjacobson@avidyne.com.




-------------
Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com


Posted By: Baron
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2013 at 4:01pm
Originally posted by AviJake AviJake wrote:

Chick,

If we haven't done so before then, we'll update that estimated timeline at Oshkosh.

MAH,

I would recommend a conservative assumption here.  In other words, I think it's prudent to assume Skylane availability would be a few months after the first cert of the Avidyne servo.  We are trying to make it simultaneous but that would break the mold with respect to how the FAA views autopilot related certs.
 
 
Any updates on the next certification aircraft? Baron? Century autopilots?
 
Thx
 
Chick



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