beware of "warranty" R&R labor costs

"Roger Tracy" wrote
So let me get this straight. If I own a Century autopilot (which I do) then
I have to pay some AH a royalty to use it? I think not.

Well, that depends on how you plan to use it.

If the autopilot is already installed and has paperwork, then no.

If you are planning to install it, then maybe. Specifically, it
depends on HOW you are going to install it.

Autopilot installation is considered a major alteration by every FSDO
out there. That means you need a 337, and you need to do it based on
acceptable data. Basically, you have three ways to make that data
happen.

If the autopilot was optional equipment for that make and model
airplane, then the airplane manufacturer will have approved drawings
for the installation. All you need to do is get a copy of the
drawings, follow them, and refer to them (Installed Autopilot123 in
accordance with AirplaneManufacturer drawing #123-456-789). You don't
have to pay a royalty, and pretty much any FSDO will accept that as
valid.

You could in theory get a field approval. Also no royalty. In
practice, field approvals are not being granted for autopilot
installations, period. Unless you've got something on someone at the
FSDO, they will tell you to get an STC or go home.

That brings us to the STC - the most popular way to install an
autopilot. The autopilot manufacturer is going to own the STC. These
guys have been pushing FSDO's to verify that you have permission to
use the STC. You want permission - you pay a royalty. Or you can
keep the autopilot on the shelf. Your call.

Basically, here is what's happening. There are effectively no new
airplanes being built. In order to make money, the autopilot
manufacturers have to sell new autopilots into old airplanes. That
means they need the old autopilots to go away. That's why they're
throwing up every possible roadblock to the installation of old
autopilots, and when that's not possible trying to make extra money
off them.

Michael