MicroAir T3000 Skysuite

[Moneybox]

I’m shopping for ADSB in/out and a simple affordable AP.

 

James from Swish Products has come up wth this nice looking package but it’s not cheap. I’ve been considering the Level AP but it relies on the iPad so I find that an unreliable option. The Level option includes ADSB.

 

I like the look and simplicity of the Super Echo AP that also uses trim tabs instead of conventional servos.

 

And then if I don’t go with the Level I still need ADSB in/out. I don’t want portable. 
 

 

Too many options

 

ps: off to Africa in a few hours so might be quiet for a bit. 

 

 

[skippydiesel]

Hi Moneybox,

 

In the distant past I used auto pilot (AP) but have not found the need since then. AP is a costly investment, I would be intersted to hear your rational for going down such a path.

 

I am unsure why you have ADSB IN/OUT in the same conversation as Auto Pilot (AP)?? A transponder will enhance the safe operation of any aircraft, especially one that will operate in congested airspace. Currently not required for RAA level aircraft but in the future access to Controlled Airspace will require the carriage of an operating transponder.

 

As you know I fly out of The Oaks, in the Sydney Basin, very congested airspace. To assist in my situational awareness, I have installed a transponder and a SE2 ( basic ADSB IN/Out). Combined with OzRunway I have a  the facsimile of radar (blue bubbles with call sign, altitude & direction). This is a great system BUT depends on other aircraft having an operational transponder and/or OzRunways. Today I came across an R44, same altitude as  me,  that did not appear on my system. I notified the pilot - he didnt seem overly concerned. He was heading for Camden (CTR), operational transponder required - I wonder how he got on??😈

 

 

 

[Moneybox]

Any flight from Cue to somewhere will take hours. I’ve watched a few videos, one showing the Super Echo following a flight plan. The AP must improve safety on long flights where fatigue is likely. 

[skippydiesel]

AP can also lull the pilot into a false sense of security - "all's well, George is on the job".

It will need to be used with care. Dont scrimp on the usual regular checks - on track/altitude/ time/fuel remaining  etc.

Fatigue is the product of work,  in this case concentration ALSO altitude. The reduced O2 can effect the pilot/crew with fatigue like symptoms - the older you get the more likly to be effected. Dont go to sleep.

Most AP do not handle turbulence well - you may find you are hand flying more than you might expect.

 

I don't know the flight characteristics of your aircraft - Neutral Stability  (many aerobatic aircraft) means that it will not maintain, with hands/feet off controls, a set altitude/wings level for more than a few seconds, before correction is required. Such an aircraft will require a sophisticated AP ($$$) that not only keeps the wings level, follows a track (heading)  also must maintain an altitude. Opposite end  - A Cessna 172, is astonishingly stable, can be set up to fly straight & level almost indefinably (fuel consumed being the main change to attitude) without an AP.😈

[Thruster88]

3 hours ago, skippydiesel said:

Hi Moneybox,

 

In the distant past I used auto pilot (AP) but have not found the need since then. AP is a costly investment, I would be intersted to hear your rational for going down such a path.

 

 Today I came across an R44, same altitude as  me,  that did not appear on my system. I notified the pilot - he didnt seem overly concerned. He was heading for Camden (CTR), operational transponder required - I wonder how he got on??😈

😈

He most likely just had a mode C transponder, meets the requirements for controlled airspace. I believe they can be seen by other aircraft with the right equipment, ACAS or TCAS. 

3 hours ago, skippydiesel said: