The AeroCruze 100 is an affordable and flexible digital autopilot system for Piper PA-28 and PA-32 aircraft. The AeroCruze100 provides a seamless integration with the AeroVue Touch EFIS as well as a variety of other manufacturers. The complete system is offered at a low cost, with the choice of three form-factor variations:
Emergency autopilot level button helps to bring the aircraft to a wings-level position. Connects to either hand-held GPS or IFR panel mount GPS systems. When connected to hand-held GPS, follows programmed flight plans. When connected to panel mount GPS, autopilot follows roll steering commands to fly complex flight plans Similar to lane assist in automobiles, the AEP stand-by mode monitors aircraft bank angle. Autopilot corrects the bank angles greater than 45 degrees by automatic roll command. |
This is just a follow-up to a question I asked recently. BendixKing support verified that the Aerocruze 100 can be installed as a standalone system. In that case you manually input heading and altitude.
This is follow up after flying VFR with the BKAC100 for several years in a P28-180. I installed it myself with an IA as an advisor who did the final inspection and sign off. It works quite well. Dont be afraid to order the smaller of the two round versions. The only difference is the outer bezel size. They both have the same size display and controls. So if the smaller is available sooner and you can make it work, its a good choice. One operational point that is sometimes confusing is the + or - sign associated with the rate of altitude change setting. If you set a target altitude above the current altitude but the rate of change is a negative number, the plane will just maintain the current altitude. Once you set it to a positive climb rate, the climb to target altitude will begin. I had to work with the Aero Cruze support team during the install because of three issues. One servo was set way below the intended torque and could barely move the controls. Another issue was a bad circuit board in the control head. The final issue was a missing wire in the interconnect harness.
Very disappointed by the product. The Aerocruz we purchased to install in a PA-28 has been plagued with problems, first it was a software glitch, second the wiring harness was bad and now we have an internal pitot/static leak. Mid-Continent has been great to service and exchange the unit, but what a headache.
Please note, Aircraft Spruce Canada's personnel are not certified aircraft mechanics and can only provide general support and ideas, which should not be relied upon or implemented in lieu of consulting an A&P or other qualified technician. Aircraft Spruce Canada assumes no responsibility or liability for any issue or problem which may arise from any repair, modification or other work done from this knowledge base. Any product eligibility information provided here is based on general application guides and we recommend always referring to your specific aircraft parts manual, the parts manufacturer or consulting with a qualified mechanic.
The STC can be requested at the time of order. The installation manual can be downloaded as a PDF from the manufacturers website. For the installation, the unit can be installed by a certified installer or an A&P.
Per BendixKing, the AeroCruze 100 is capable of following the heading bug, altitude bug, and synchronizing the barometer and altimeter to the G5. An ARINC source switch (DPDT) is required when interfacing with the G5 and GPS175. A GAD29 is required, but it does not have to the GAD29B.
Per BendixKing: Yes, Part # 11-18038 is an approved autopilot system for Piper PA-28 and PA-32 aircraft.
Per the manufacturer Bendix King P/N 11-18038 can be installed in a certified aircraft. It is FAA approved, but you would need to discuss with your local aviation authority or A&P to determine if it meets the rules for certified in Canada.
No, the kits listed on this page are approved for the Piper PA 28 and PA 32. Please contact our avionics sales department to determine if a kit can be ordered for your aircraft.
This kit includes the servos. You will need to use the new servos.
No, it requires a compatible EFIS to function properly and to drive it.
No, the autopilot does not interface with an XGPS160.
No. Only the following bendix king units are called out in the install manual: kta 870, kmh 820, kta 970, kmh 920, kn 53,kx 155a/165a, kx155/165, kma 24, kma 28, kma 26.