Panel progress...

[SKYFLYER]

More like 99%

[Jfelipe.rojasr]

Hi Adam,

I understand being upset of the delays in the works on avionics, we had 3 months later our plane ready after an upgrade in the cockpit and with a really bad communication on why it was the plane ready after that time. I would suggest you to keep and eye on the autopilot, after we received the plane with G600 and GTN 750 displays we are having problems with the autopilot because is not engaging properly; it disconnects minutes after selecting it with strong movements upwards or downwards.

Has someone else experience these issues with the autopilot after upgrading from analog to glass cockpit?

Kind Regards

Juan Felipe Rojas
Twin Commander 690A

[donv]

Your autopilot issue doesn't sound like it's related to the panel upgrade. You should expect to need to tweak the autopilot quite a bit to get it to smoothly capture courses and that sort of thing-- mainly by adjusting the sensitivity. But it shouldn't cause any vertical issues.

Is the autopilot running the trim properly? You can put your hand on the trim wheel and feel if it's moving.

[Bruce Byerly]

Hi Adam,

I understand being upset of the delays in the works on avionics, we had 3 months later our plane ready after an upgrade in the cockpit and with a really bad communication on why it was the plane ready after that time. I would suggest you to keep and eye on the autopilot, after we received the plane with G600 and GTN 750 displays we are having problems with the autopilot because is not engaging properly; it disconnects minutes after selecting it with strong movements upwards or downwards.

Has someone else experience these issues with the autopilot after upgrading from analog to glass cockpit?

Kind Regards

Juan Felipe Rojas
Twin Commander 690A

Juan - I have seen autopilots go completely berserk after installs, especially installs completed by shops unfamiliar with Commanders.  I have spent a fair bit of professional time working with customers to correct substantial installation issues.  Not saying you have them but it is certainly possible.  Sounds like this plane might be new to you? 

[Adam Frisch]

Have you thought about changing to Rams Horns

My friend Stan Perkins in San Diego has done that on his 681. But I think I'll just keep the original ones. I actually like the grip on them (not that I've flown with the ram horns ever, just by comparing in the cockpit). I don't like that they've painted over the original Aero Commander emblems in the middle of yoke, but hoping I could find some used ones. If anyone knows of any for sale or if they're shared with other models, please let me know. I suspect they're probably all shared between 500's, 680's etc during this period, but that's just a guess.

Steve, how do you like to hand fly the ram horns in the air? Are they comfortable?

[Jfelipe.rojasr]

Hi Adam,

I understand being upset of the delays in the works on avionics, we had 3 months later our plane ready after an upgrade in the cockpit and with a really bad communication on why it was the plane ready after that time. I would suggest you to keep and eye on the autopilot, after we received the plane with G600 and GTN 750 displays we are having problems with the autopilot because is not engaging properly; it disconnects minutes after selecting it with strong movements upwards or downwards.

Has someone else experience these issues with the autopilot after upgrading from analog to glass cockpit?

Kind Regards

Juan Felipe Rojas
Twin Commander 690A

Juan - I have seen autopilots go completely berserk after installs, especially installs completed by shops unfamiliar with Commanders.  I have spent a fair bit of professional time working with customers to correct substantial installation issues.  Not saying you have them but it is certainly possible.  Sounds like this plane might be new to you?

Yes Bruce, I have being working with this plane for almost a year since the begining in the avionic update, but pilots report and we have seen that after the update the autopilot is being uncontrolable and the service center cant find yet the related cause.

[BHARBAUGH]

Adam:

Call me when you get ready for seat belts. I have some Commander engraved buckles I'm playing around with.

I don't know if you guys knew this but we own Aircraft Belts as well as Twin Commander. I have recently been given responsibilities there as well.

[JimC]

Hi Adam,

I understand being upset of the delays in the works on avionics, we had 3 months later our plane ready after an upgrade in the cockpit and with a really bad communication on why it was the plane ready after that time. I would suggest you to keep and eye on the autopilot, after we received the plane with G600 and GTN 750 displays we are having problems with the autopilot because is not engaging properly; it disconnects minutes after selecting it with strong movements upwards or downwards.

Has someone else experience these issues with the autopilot after upgrading from analog to glass cockpit?

Kind Regards

Juan Felipe Rojas
Twin Commander 690A

It sounds very much like the trim is constantly running and the autopilot is pulling against it until the forces get to great and it releases - thus the sudden lurch when it disconnects.

[Adam Frisch]

Brian - will do! Those matte ones look great!

[Adam Frisch]

So, getting much closer...

They tested it all the other day, and most things works fine. GPS, ADS-B, radar, radios etc all work well, which were the main things. The gyro flag on the ADI doesn’t go away, despite the gyro spinning up. This also affects the autopilot which immediately kicks off due to this. So they’re troubleshooting that now, hoping it’s some easy solution, like wiring etc. Of course once you start test flying, I’m sure there will some other things that need fixing…

But anyhow – slightly encouraging!

[Steve binnette]

Really looking good, I bet your test flying goes better than you think.  Most of the times I have a problem it's my fault!

Operator error, so don't get to worried until you check the operators manual.

[donv]

Wow-- looks great!

What did you end up doing on the copilot side?

[SKYFLYER]

Starting to come back to life again... looks like you went with the ipad Air2? Not enough room for the ipad Pro??
How much longer does the shop think it will be before it is all done? I know you are ready for it to be done.
And Steve is correct.... most of the "check out" flying errors will be pilot induced.

[Adam Frisch]

There wasn't enough room for the Pro, so it's a Mini. I have had to give up having a pedestal flush mount for the second one, as there was not enough space. But there is enough space to have one on a short arm down there, so will prob do this. Right in time for Apple to discontinue the Mini, no doubt... 

As soon as ADI is fixed and the radios are fully tested it should be able to fly. That said, plane will go in next door to get leaks fixed almost immediately whilst interior is out. I'll probably do a few shakedown flights with instructor with the interior out to make sure avionics are good.

[Badger]

Speaking of using the iPad Mini...  I have tried, over and over, to find a comfortable place to mount my iPad mini on the windscreen, using suction cups.  I actually had a great spot just to the right of the standby compass (not blocking any instruments at all) with good vis still, but just did not like it.  For some reason, strapping it to my left leg feels more comfortable than reaching up to the windscreen to change screens, etc.  Wish I felt differently.  I will keep trying, I guess.