KFC 225 is awesome. Best autopilot that I have ever used.

I will second that emotion. I had one in the Mooney Bravo and it worked flawlessly. It is 30 year old technology, but then, I am 68 year old technology.

There is going to be, IMO, a complete REVOLUTION in autopilots over the next three years. The only question will be the breadth of certification.

Jgreen

OK thanks for the correction.

Hello Jim,





[quote="Jim Christy"]The KFC 225 arms altitude hold automatically when you enter your desired altitude. The 200 requires a button push to arm the altitude hold after selecting the altitude. I have never forgotten to arm the altitude hold after selecting the altitude but I have heard other pilots have.
The KFC 225 has rate select, pitch select and altitude hold. The KFC 200 has pitch or altitude only.
When capturing altitude the KFC 225 does it very smoothly and accurately. My experience with the 200 in an Aerostar is that when climbing to an altitude the autopilot will level off slightly below the altitude, stay there for 30 seconds then start a climb, shoot through the selected altitude, overshoot the altitude by 100 to 200 ft. then start back down to the altitude and go on altitude hold. I asked a King expert about this and he said, "I mentioned that problem to my boss once and he said something to the effect, "" just hit altitude hold when it does that and adjust it up 20 feet."" He said, "when I heard that I knew it would never get fixed."
The 225 will not accept external inputs such as from a G600 but I understand a 200 will. I have not seen this setup in an Aerostar so I don't know how well it works.
The 225 will fly an LPV gps approach in approach mode which seems correct to me. The 200 will need to be in heading with gpss selected. The 225 has GPSS built in. Maybe that is why but I don't know for sure.[/quotes





I looked at your web sight for the first time.

I noticed that you have a couple of Aerostars for sale that I have not seen else where.

Are these aircraft for sale or are these just old sales that have not been updated. I ask because I have not seen these planes on other 'for sale' web sights.



Thanks Jim

Hello Don,
N700SD is sold pending acceptance of the offer by the owner. N137N is available but need some work that we haven't had time to complete. It is a good airplane. Please give me a call when convenient. 800 four four two, 4242.
Thanks,
Jim

OK, are there any Aerostar owners in the Austin, Tx area?

I want my wife to see the inside of an A*, and unfortunately, she is too afraid to fly in our Debonair to go visit.

Frank,

Make reservations to fly commercial to Virginia for a visit to Williamsburg.

Book a room at the Williamsburg Inn. (Trust me on this, she will love it)

Make reservations at The Fat Canary for dinner one night.

Let me know when you are coming and we'll schedule a trip up to Cambridge, MD for lunch.

Forrest,

Now both you and John have graciously offered a view and flight in the A*.

Thank you.

I have broached the subject and it depends upon scheduling. We would fly into Norfolk.

It will not be until October at the soonest.

Again, thanks.

Plane is hangered in Norfolk.

Just let me know.

(FYI: I'm scheduled to put in a 2nd GTN650 in mid Oct.)

Frank,

October would be more comfortable. Right now, it's hotter than a fresh bred nanny goat in a knee high pepper patch, as on old man I used to work with when I was a teenager, used to say.

Jgreen

Frank,

October would be more comfortable. Right now, it's hotter than a fresh bred nanny goat in a knee high pepper patch, as on old man I used to work with when I was a teenager, used to say.

Jgreen

Yea, but you know Billy goats. Like 18 year old boys, one minded.

Jgreen

Frank, I make it to Austin for all the Horns games. If you can wait till the season starts you can find N702RJ on the ramp at Signature at KAUS and are welcome to bring your wife by for a look. My wife won't fly in our Bonanza and she ain't exactly thrilled with the Aerostar either but she will ride in the Aerostar if the flight is less than 2 hours. Also, once in a while I end up at KGTU to have breakfast at Monument Cafe.

Eric,

I will do so. BTW, I have seen picture of your bird and she is beautiful.

Also, if you stop at KGTU to eat at the Monument Cafe - I know you are OK

John, Forrest, Eric, Jim, others

I need a number from you guys.

My Columbia is very docile and forgiving, plus it is about all I know. My TT is over 1700 of which all but 150 or so is in my Columbia.
Flying has been an absolute dream come true in my life.
I am a decent pilot "most days" but in my Columbia If I get just a bit slow its no big deal.

My goal is to know my airspeed on approach and nail it....within two knots....at all times.
Small problem is I don't always adhere to my own standard.

I am looking very forward to getting to know the Aerostar but I also am looking very forward to
growing old with my wife of 30 years and dying from something other than being stupid in my airplane.

Please give ME an airspeed number which to NEVER go below on approach...for my first 100 hours at least.

I have spoken to Lester Kyle and plan to train with him.
Other advise also appreciated either here or PM

Joining the "bit different" club soon