Autopilot

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Trent772

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Don’t faint......

Looking at a compromise aeroplane for a friend coming off a new ish Cessna 182.

I have had 2 Champs and 2 Citabrias.

Am trying to steer him towards a newer Citabria but would like option of autopilot. Are the new ones with Garmin glass autopilot equipped or able ?
 
Some are putting them in Super Cubs, so it is doable. You sure your friend doesn't need a Mooney?

The Citabria will do cross country flight with just rudder pressure and trim. A little input now and then keeps you awake. If your friend really wants something else to fly for him, Southwest is cheaper.
 
Bob Turner said:
Some are putting them in Super Cubs, so it is doable. You sure your friend doesn't need a Mooney?

The Citabria will do cross country flight with just rudder pressure and trim. A little input now and then keeps you awake. If your friend really wants something else to fly for him, Southwest is cheaper.
Click to expand...

Haha.

Mooney isn’t as aero capable. A Bonanza is 🤣
 
When my plane is trimmed for level flight I can gain and lose altitude by just leaning back and forth in my seat.
No need to touch the stick until descending into the pattern on the other end
 
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Aren't aerobatic aircraft and autopilots kind of opposites? And except for the tail, the Mooney has to be one of the strongest airframes in its class.
 
As is always the case, we look for compromise. A new spec Citabria can be an effective touring airplane, but one that can also be turned upside down from time to time. Creature comforts such as large glass display and an autopilot augment one side of the compromise without detracting from the other. My friend has a 2004 Cessna 182 at present, but is looking for something smaller, more agile but still capable.
 
The 160 GCAA is said to be one of the best. Installing an autopilot ought to be trivial for a guy with the bucks for a new one. I bet the factory would do it.

I fly one on occasion. The club has restricted it from aero. It needs inverted oil . . .
 
Yes, American Champion has autopilot options for new aircraft. Not for me, but if that's what you want, they can do it. Give them a call.
 
How do the modern glass cockpit systems hold up to aerobatics? I assume they would be fine, but don't really know. I would guess Dale and the factory guys would know, however.
 
I know that several airshow performers have Dynon, GRT, MGL, and even Garmin "X" panels and have zero problems. Everything from Sonex (both piston and jet) to full-on hard-core Extra pilots use them...
 
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