Trutrak Vizion Autopilot in a Cherokee | Review and Tutorial | LPV Approach |BendixKing Aerocruze100

[@frankiep.8446]

Eric, This is another excellent video you've put together. I almost feel as though I can watch your vid's and get everything I want out of the TruTrak, Dynon, Avidyne, et.al., without reading the manual. That's how to-the-point, yet thorough, your videos are. Awesome! [and of course I'll still read the pilot manuals ;-) ]

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks for the compliments! I’m glad you enjoy the videos and find them useful. Definitely read those manuals! And have fun with your new panel. Fly safe!

[@bonommusi6806]

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[@timharris3313]

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[@javierlonamolina3807]

@@bonommusi6806 Bhbb GB b b

[@howardjoemanetti437]

SoCal Flying Monkey 1

[@tnflygirl]

Im getting one installed in my piper cherokee this week and I cant wait. This video is very helpful, thank you!

[@N91CZ]

I've been flying different generations of the Trutrak auto pilot for 12 years and still learned something new.

[@midlifeflyer]

Thanks Eric. I've been asked to teach in an airplane with a TruTrak. This was a perfect supplement to my review of the manuals.

[@cpy]

This was a perfect brief before diving into the manual, thanks!!

[@derkhawkins2575]

I love the way you set up your panel. Talk about bang for your buck. Go well.

[@SuperRv6]

Just installed a Vision 385 in my RV-6. Your video is an excellent introduction to the functions of the autopilot. Thank you!

[@thomasard4977]

Excellent video, thanks for the demo of the trutrack/king 100 Autopilot. You answered all my questions about it.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stoldrag85]

After 8 yrs and over 1000hrs in my RV6 I had a 385 installed. Another 2 yrs went by before I made my RV IFR. Having done so now I'm using the AP for the more complex tasks and relearning it. Your video is very helpful. Reading the comments answered most of my questions. Looking forward to more of your videos. Subscribed.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad the video is helpful for you and thanks for the sub! Hope you enjoy the future videos. :)

[@BrianSmithSmartini]

I just bought a Cardinal with this AP, and reading the manual was confusing, to say the least. Your scenario-based video was exactly what I was looking for. I have "translated" the video into step-by-step mini-checklists for each scenario, to help me learn (memorize) how to use it in the plane. Thank you so much!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@StevenDwightman]

I fly the world's fastest single-engine amphibian, a PT6-powered Seawind, N71RJ, with a nearly identical TruTrak - a Socerer. Things happen quickly. You video is a great refresher worth watching before each flight. You guide viewers through the three phases, departure, cruise and landing. Thanks to you and TruTrak, my flights are easier. I can now get the most out of my Socerer.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad it was helpful. Your plane sounds super cool!

[@ryandickson2224]

This channel deserves so much more popularity

[@andrewjacobs7860]

Dude, I don’t fly, but the level of knowledge you have is insane. I didn’t understand 90% of what you said, but it was still a great video. Can’t wait to check out more.

[@crazypeoplearoundtheworld304]

Being smart enough to know you're too stupid to comment will be the next level for you to achieve.

[@petersnelling9047]

We are upgrading our panel and upgrading an old century AP with the true Tran. ( PA28 181 ) good video! Don’t know what I don’t know so I’ll keep coming back! Thanks!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Hope it’s useful for you. :)

[@MatthewMiller716]

This an amazing channel. I'm a military pilot and I'm thinking about a cherokee in the future! I love piper!

[@josesbox9555]

Matthew Miller Cherokee six is great but the 235 is a bit of a sleeper and a real value airplane.

[@MatthewMiller716]

@@josesbox9555 I see that! I hold a civilian commercial IFR SE & ME land so I'm gitty about planning a personal plane purchase one day. Difficult to decide multi use vs. like singular use of an airframe

[@williamisaacs6569]

Great video. I am just getting back into flying after 25 years and can’t believe the new panels I’m trying to find a plane to bring up to date and your panel is awesome

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Oh yeah the new stuff is really incredible. Good luck in your plane search!

[@AClark-gs5gl]

What a great Cherokee 6 restoration model to follow! An exponential reduction of any guess work, for sure! Cannot thank you enough for taking the time to produce, shoot, edit and upload this General Aviation Private Pilot Family oriented series of videos! 🙏🇺🇲💪

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks! I appreciate that!

[@johncarol2]

Great video. I just had the Vizion 100 installed in my Cessna 182Q and am going up to KLNS tomorrow to pick it up. Great orientation for me.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad it helped!!! Enjoy it!!

[@edyoung6563]

Great video. I hope to get my PPL by the end of July/early August and then buy a 180. I like the Trutrak, espcially the CWS center button functionality. Another great video.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

It’s a good autopilot as long as you understand it’s limitations (mostly regulatory)

[@architectcharlesbarryturne7313]

Having just got one of these installed in my plane your video was huge help in learning to operation of it. I love this unit. Thank you!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Great to hear!

[@ashfsk100]

Awesome video. Pretty thorough tutorial. Love your videos.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks so much!

[@Jeffopar]

Hey Eric, this was beyond helpful. I am getting checked out tomorrow in a cherokee with a trutrak and this was a great overview. Thank you!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zz3709]

I inherited one on an Arrow I recently bought and while looking to have some avionics tweaks done, I keep getting told to dump this junk and get a GFC500. But then that's from people who will make $25k-$30k on me switching it. I've finally got a hang of this Trutrak and it's great. Absolutely don't need any thing else! Great video.

[@francoischarbonneau7107]

Very good for me to learn because I have installed one TRUTRAK with gnx375. Thank you. Very clear course.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad it helped

[@jdconwaydvm]

Best video I have seen on the real world scenarios using the TT/Aerocruze! I fly regularly and could not be happier with this product!!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks! I think it is a really solid option and have been enjoying it.

[@megatrantrucking8256]

You make really good videos brother! I absolutely love your avionics set up. Now you have me wanting to buy a 6. Keep the videos coming.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@seanmcgrath9537]

I added a TT vision 385 to my RV7 about a year ago and have never been comfortable with and seeing it used. Your video is great on the operation in a real world setting and I learned a great deal. Keep it up!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

I hope it was helpful for you and you get your Trutrak worked out. I think when the settings are dialed in nicely it seems to work great.

[@tffexx]

Perfect editing adds extra interest in the video Loved it

[@jamesmayhew8958]

Thank you for the video. I found it clear and helpful, with manageable information density.

[@justme-0000]

Bro I wanna be your guest on the plane , you're are awesome.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks!

[@williamwarne89]

Great video and excellent communicator. I'm new to AP and doing some homework before getting in the air with a new panel. Your presentation is the best of all the avionics tutorials I've seen yet. Thanks and keep'em coming!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Wow thanks so much. I appreciate that. I hope to make more useful videos. :)

[@PA28-181]

Eric...I love the way you describe the use of the A/P... Better than the manual!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful for you.

[@firecosman]

Another great video. We recently purchased a 1976 C182 (also based at WHP) and it has two G5’s and a GFC500. I’m just starting to learn the system but listening to your technical description of your AP really makes it seem simple. Keep up the good work making these videos brother. They’re awesome.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Stop by and say hi anytime in the Delta row hangars at Whiteman. I hear the 182s are great - I have only flown 172s. The GFC500 is a great autopilot and has more capabilities and features than the Trutrak. It should serve you well!

[@pilotgirl5953]

Excellent! Looking at buying an aircraft with a trutrac. Great info. Thx

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@billwood4182]

Thanks for a well organized and complete review!!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnclunan4488]

Love you video and just found your channel. I have owned a single engine Commander with an ancient Century 1 autopilot and can't bring myself to spend close to $20K for an STec 30, am hopeful that Trutrak will soon include AC11 in their fleet. Also love what you did to your panel and aircraft overall, seems like perfect family "SUV". Look forward to watching your channel!

[@047thRonin]

Man this is great content, clear and easy to understand

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment with feedback. It's great for me to know that I'm covering things in a clear, understandable way.

[@flybuddy2]

Excellent video content..I've got TT, Avidyne and Aspen (installed at the same place) and I still learned a couple of tricks from you...thx!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@randywilliams6526]

Thanks for the great videos I am in the process redoing a 1972 Cherokee total makeover and have the same place for the avionics and just told Jesse to order the Trutrak because of your video. Also I have the same Dynon sky view and IFD 540. You’re other videos on the sky view and 540 are of great help.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

so glad you found the videos hepful!

[@joechoward]

Your videos are awesome. You're providing me with a plethora of ideas on how to design and equip my own future airplane. Great job!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

So glad the videos could be useful for you. It is nice to know they can make a difference for someone and their aviation journey!

[@mussen1876]

Great review - love watching these videos

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks for watching!

[@Myfivestarsuccess]

Just got an RV 6A with a Trutrack. Can't wait to learn how to use it.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

It's a great little autopilot and works well.

[@darrelllyvers9073]

Great review of functions step by step.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@flying107]

Awesome detailed video! Really well done on all your videos!! I’m reluctant to pull the trigger on Dynon panel for my Piper Warrior because of the stated legal limitations of the Aerocruz 100 and the fact that altitude has to be manually synced between the Dynon and Trutrak. Do these things bother you when flying? What are your thoughts on this?

[@bbt95762]

nice overview - love you videos - thanks for sharing

[@JohnW-yu2rf]

Added HDX and Aerocruze 100 flatpack to my airplane. Saint Aviation did a great install. Good combination for the price.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

glad you like it!

[@carlosserfaty3275]

Very good video, excellent explanation, I'm not a pilot a just a aviation enthusiasts.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@meb8128]

Thanks for the info on the installation Eric!

[@davidmangold1838]

I have the same autopilot in my Velocity. It needs some servo sensitivity adjustments, as the roll mode hasn’t worked. Will make adjustments soon, being in the phone with BK tech guy. You made a Great video. You have a very nice six (I had one for four years👍🏻).

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

hope you can work out the kinks!

[@Iflyp28warrior]

I can see my Tail number on your screen also heard my voice on the radio 8:47 second ,Priceless....Great videos

[@_chipchip]

Super interesting. Thanks for the video, appreciate the effort!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@v1rotate391]

I bought one at Sun N Fun because of you for my Lance. Great review Dynon next

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

awesome. glad to be helpful. Please tell the brands when you buy - it helps out all the content creators make more fun stuff! Thank you!

[@IkoVenture]

Great video and excellent setup. One thing I was thinking about. Since the trim isn’t connected, you really have to keep an eye on that. If not you can disconnect and give your passengers that super fun surprise climb, or, in a worse case, going missed in IMC and transitioning into the missed you could have the incorrect trim setup close to the ground. I guess the speed limits would help with that, but it would be an exciting couple of seconds. Keep the videos coming!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

That's definitely a good point. I usually disconnect the autopilot, feel the trim and then re-engage it if I make a major power or attitude change. I have grown used to the idiosyncrasy with it and haven't had any surprises with being very far out of trim yet.

[@andrewbeaton3302]

That is incredible! I used to have a dji Mavic pro 2 that had similar gps functions! Love these videos!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad you like them! Thank you for the comment.

[@rainerzufall689]

Took me 26 minutes to actually notice I hadn't clicked thumbs up the whole time. I was busy watching!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks for the thumbs up and thanks for watching!

[@gmccormack1234]

Thanks for the video! Keep making them :)

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@brandonjones690]

thanks for the videos... you are really good at describing everything. Question..why did you fly all the way to FL to have the panel upgraded? I've heard that installation costs are less in FL but it is that much less to cover the costs and time to fly across the country? If you could compare the aerocruze to the trios how do they compare?

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

The price was very good and the shop was the most experienced in the HDX and TruTrak autopilot especially at the time when it was newer for certified planes. I also had a freelance job out there so it made sense to fly it out and get the work done there. Don’t know too much about the trio but I think it’s similar. I liked the TruTrak company better than the trio STC group when I researched it several years ago

[@scottr2003]

Hello, Great video. I’m currently looking at a Cherokee 300 but am having a hard time getting away from my job to take the time off and check it out. I’ve got about 100-150 hours of single engine fixed wing. I’m a commercial Helicopter with just about 5500 TT. I flew UH-60’s in the Army now I fly for CBP. I’m thinking about getting a plane because I’m planning on retiring in the next 7-8 years and that would be my retirement hobby. I’d love to hear more about your purchase adventure and would welcome any advice. Thanks in advance! Scott

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

You can email me at [e-mail] and we can talk buying planes...

[@ninja5267]

thanks for the video. Just found your channel and I also have a PA-32 that is about how yours started out but mine came with a new engine so I had that cost built in. I'm currently eyeing the Garmin GFC 500 so this was incredibly helpful as I think the cost to get the Garmin is going to be near 20k (Two G5's included) total and I didnt know of a good alternative to look into that was any cheaper. Definitely going to give this AP a close look.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad I could help. Just be aware of the legal restrictions of the Trutrak as far as coupled instrument procedures and 700' AGL disco altitude. The GFC500 is more useable in these respects.

[@mwteixeira]

Lee I’m in the same boat. 60 hrs in my ‘78 PA32-300. This video has given me much to think about. Love the GFC 500 but having a tough time justifying the cost since my Century AP still works.

[@mattivirta]

garmin have wold biggest scammer thief lier, factory go out gauges 200-500$ but dealers sell gauges 2000-6000$ totally idiot scammer and thief, newer buy garmin gauges, old gauges working fine no need idiot glass panel waste money.

[@bossthefluff]

Haha. I'm sure you'll have some plonker report you to the FAA for allowing the plane fly itself with you in the back even though you explain it, though I hope not. Nice SFX work. :) I was just made redundant flying the A380, where I spent my last 9 years and 7,000hrs. I haven't flown anything other than KZbin since March, and I've realized how I miss it immensely. If you love flying it's somewhat immaterial if you're in a 575 ton jet beast, or a 3500lbs SEL piston airplane. I used to work for a small Navajo operator out of Burbank, and we did all our maintenace at Whiteman. I love your channel for several reasons. One of them is my connection to your home field. I also love seeing you fly to all the fields I spent my youth flying to. I'm happy I found your channel. There is only one thing I dislike with small airplanes, and that's the unnecessarily small buttons and switches compared to airliners. I never understood that. It's not even a real estate problem half of the time, but a design choice. AEP is awesome. That will save many lives. I'm very impressed how many protection modes this somewhat basic autopilot have. Well done having it installed.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Andy, Thanks for your comments and sharing your story. I hope youre able to get back in the air sometime soon! Flying a Navajo out of Burbank sounds like it would have been fun- I enjoy landing there and mingling with the large commercial jets- makes a little GA pilot feel like one of the big boys. Haha. I agree about the autopilot- all the new tech getting more easily certified is coming loaded with great features and should make things safer. Thanks for watching the channel!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

and yeah I am keeping on to the source files and VFX project of that shot in case anyone accuses me of actually sitting in the back with the AP on!

[@bossthefluff]

@@SoCalFlyingMonkey Thanks for replying. Yes. I truly hope to get back in the air again soon. Sadly it probably won't be in the left seat of an A380 since they're scrapping them at a high rate. Easily the best airplane I've ever flown. I know exactly what you mean about mingling with the big jets. Even though it was in 1991 I still recall taxiing a Grumman Cougar on taxiway A for a 25L takeoff just ahead of a DC10, and it felt like I was one of the gang :) The Whiteman direct to final 15 BUR was awesome. I would not even retract the gear. I think I climbed to about 500 AAL & just adjusted pitch and heading a bit & I was on short final. You can correct me on that one. It was a few years ago... Must be one of the shortest airport transfers in the US. Once again, your channel is very enjoyable on several levels.

[@Hglouis]

Great video, thank you!

[@anamericanview]

Excellent ! Very pro job...

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks a lot!

[@rogerfrench1386]

Great video, packed with great information for those of us contemplating installation of the TruTrak. Thanks

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad you liked it!

[@TEESHEFFER]

Well done on your Video. Shows the utility. Personally, I prefer the PortaPilot autopilot, which i’ve been flying with in myC172M. It is less than $3,000, simple to use and does not involve installation since it is a portable snap-in autopilot.

[@paullaverty3038]

Very informative well. video enjoyed it I will be watching more thank you

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

I'm so glad you found it useful.

[@chrisc161]

Great video I am getting mine in May. Thank you

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Hope the install goes well and you enjoy it!

[@flyinguy86]

You have it right, NASTE is Nast-E, Nasty. Thanks for sharing. I’ll look for you next time you call Joshua!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

you're a controller on Joshua Approach? That's awesome. All the controllers that handle the SoCal area have been so great over my short 5 year flying career around here. Always appreciate it.

[@flyinguy86]

I am at Joshua! It’s a fun facility. Flew a lot before my time at Joshua too, about 10 years ago. We’d have you for a visit if we ever open for tours again!

[@chadgriffith5819]

Been waiting on this, my six still has all steam gauges, Id like to chat about your panel one day soon.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Chad, happy to answer any questions!

[@1_ii8]

im pretty sure the aerocruze can even follow your cdi on the hdx (idk abt ils approaches tho (rnav/lpv works i think))

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

It can but not in GPSS mode but it seems to hunt for the course

[@perimeletiou]

Very informative video. Just wondering if the Avidyne is capable of LPV approaches , or an ILS one, is the Trutrak certified to perform both of them? Wishing you great flights and fun always.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

The video has a whole section where the TT flies an LPV approach that the Avidyne is navigating. It is capable of this but technically not certified for "coupled instrument procedures." I also cover this in the video. The description has clickable timestamps. The TT will not follow analogue nav signals like VORs or ILS, but it will follow GPS overlays of these things. Most airports that have an ILS have a complementary LPV.

[@PilotFun101]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks for watching!

[@rodolfocastro3222]

Excellent review! Thank you!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@conradbeckles465]

Great video! Thanks for posting

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@frazerpeterson2857]

Excellent video. I bought a TruTrak vision a couple years ago and never have figured out all the details that you showed in your video. TruTrak should’ve done a video like this along time ago. They used to do what they called a tip Tuesday but they quit doing that sometime ago. I subscribe to your channel and will really enjoy watching you fly. N34490

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FlightRisk2010]

I like it for VFR only pilots but they really need to get rid of the 700 AGL limitation. There's something wrong with the fact that you have all those modern avionics but can't fly a coupled approach to minimums. Really great video though and a beautiful airplane.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Yes it sure would be nice to have a lower limitation and no restriction on coupled procedures. I believe TT made a conscious decision for easier (faster) certification to get this product to market ahead of some others. They are definitely aware that we would like these limitations changed but they seem to barely be able to keep up with orders so I am not optimistic that it would happen anytime soon. It definitely is a product that fills a certain need for a certain type of pilot/flying and I think if one is aware of that going in to it then that person would be happy with the unit. Thank you for the positive comment about the video!

[@LarryToney-x4f]

Good morning, I've watched your video probably a dozen times and it is very good trying to learn about our Aerocruz 100 ( formerly Trutrak ). The autopilot seems to do fine in NAV mode following the magenta line but when we start an approach going to the IAF and shooting the approach it's like it's lost for some reason. We can never get APPCH and/or CPLD to illuminate as I watched in your video. Might you have an idea on what we are doing wrong? We have a Garmin GNC 355. Thanks, Larry Atlanta

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

I think you have to be at glideslope intercept altitude in altitude hold mode for a little while for it to switch into that mode. I believe the manual describes the requirements. Download the experimental version of the manual...

[@LarryToney-x4f]

Many thanks!!@@SoCalFlyingMonkey

[@MrFlatpanel]

In the hanger turn on your master/.instruments/ & autopilot. Does it lock up your controls ? Can you overcome the force of the servos? Please post your results--John R

[@tayfunyakici1014]

Perfect video

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@anthonydurrahsr3554]

Excellent video trying to do the same N55563

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

I used to own N55585!

[@anthonydurrahsr3554]

Small airplane world. ;)

[@robertgrant7290]

Nice video!! Is there any reason why you couldn't use track mode to fly an ils or vor approach?

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

I think you could do that as long as above 700 feet.

[@mikeshort3838]

Excellent video! I just found your page today. I bought a Cessna 182 3 Weeks ago that is equipped with the True Trak Vision. It’s my first plane with an autopilot so I’m learning as I go. I really appreciate this video! Do you have any issues over / under shooting altitude in a decent or climb? I’m sure it’s something I’m not doing correctly while managing power. Thanks again for this video!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Congrats on your 182! I hear those are great airplanes. I had some issues overshooting climb and then I adjusted the Vertical Activity (up in value) and it helped a lot. The 300HP Cherokee 6 can overpower the level off if not managed especially since there is no autotrim so I listen for the altitude bug on the HDX to alert as I approach the altitude and start managing power within 100 feet or so of the altitude. It does a good job now of levelling off. One other thing is to make sure your Baro is sync'd as close as it can be. Many times I think the AP overshoots but I had an inaccurate Baro sync- either sync'd improperly, forgot to resync in new sector, or cycled the AP power. Once you get the TT dialed in nicely its a great tool.

[@mikeshort3838]

SoCal Flying Monkey thanks for the advice! My 182 is a PPonk 285 horse so definitely understand what you’re saying. I’m still learning how to properly manage it. I have a GTN750 and 2 G5’s. If I’m slaved to the G5 I believe the baro syncs automatically. If I’m using the GTN750 I have to set it. I will look at adjusting the Vertical Activity next time I’m up. Thanks again and great job on the KZbin channel!

[@OtakuAviators]

Love your channel! It's fun and informative! Just subscribed and looking forward to the next videos. :-) Greetings from AMS

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Motosuwa]

Literally feel like I know Trutrak as if I know own it ahaha Great Video!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

that's awesome. I hope to be super thorough and cover all the details...but always in flight while actually using the gear. :)

[@hughmarloweverest1684]

I enjoyed the video. Thank you.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@royshroud9536]

Is there any option to connect a keypad of some variety to your autopilot? Just wondering!

[@johnpool8629]

Great video, thanks! We bought an Arrow with a Trutrak, Aspen EFD 1000 Pro and a Garmin 430w and the Trutrak seems to work great when coupled to the 430w for GPSS. One question I have is - what is the best procedure when in GPSS mode when given vectors from ATC? It is a bit of a pain to couple the Trutrak to the Aspen (there is a manual switch), bug the heading then put the Trutrak in Aspen mode. With your setup, when in GPSS mode, do you just switch to TRK mode and use the knob to get on to the course provided by ATC? Or use the CWS? We haven't played with the system much, but since I saw your video I figured I would ask here. Thanks!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

When given vectors I typically just push the mode button to go into track mode and dial in the desired track. I also then confirm the altitude is set to the desired altitude. Has worked for me so far. FOr some reason I dont ever hold the control wheel steering button but maybe I should start trying to do it? I think that would work pretty well too!

[@johnpool8629]

@@SoCalFlyingMonkey Thanks! That's sort of what I planned to do and then just keep an eye on the heading on the Aspen HSI to make sure I'm on the right heading (since ATC uses heading taking wind into consideration and TRK is ground track). Played with it a bit yesterday in the air and the Trutrak held altitude and heading great! Followed the Garmin 430w GPSS commands like it was on rails. Great system. Thanks!

[@ZazaBoeing747]

That’s a great review and movie production you’ve got there! Congratulations! And, quick question, would automatic trim cost much more?

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thank you. I dont think it is an option with the certified version of this autopilot.

[@ZazaBoeing747]

@@SoCalFlyingMonkey Oh ok! Thanks for the info!

[@jacquelavalle8828]

Thanks for this video. I am putting the Avidyne and Dynon HDx in my Cardinal and was curious about the truTrak AP. Not a bad gizmo but I think I’ll wait for Dynon’s AP to get certified. The other Cardinal I fly has an S-Tec coupled to an Aspen 1000, which I really love too. Unfortunately, Dynon does not play well with other’s AP systems.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

I wish the Dynon AP were certified for my PA32. I like the TT but the Dynon AP integrated into the system would be amazing. I have a switch that allows the Dynon to control the HDX but it will not command roll steering on the flight plan. So no turn anticipation or procedure turns, holds, etc. But the HDX will command heading, altitude, and VS with its bugs.

[@jacquelavalle8828]

@@SoCalFlyingMonkey So as pandemic has impacted, the FAA dragged its feet on the Dynon A36 AP cert, hence, all else will fall behind schedule. Given that the Cardinal is much later in the pipeline, we must get the Aero Cruz 100 to fill the 3-4 year gap. I think the PA32 is earlier for Dynon. Too bad the Baro knob won't work, I'd think a software patch could do that. Regardless, this video now has better meaning as I wait for the parts to arrive (half from Spruce and the servos from Chief).

[@jacquelavalle8828]

Servos finally in and the plane heads to the avionics shop this week. I keep viewing this video and learn more each time. Thanks for posting this.

[@jessesaint6641]

Great video, Eric.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks! Great work on the install!

[@matt_b...]

Thinking about getting back into flying, having a bit of paralysis by analysis. How does your family do with flying in/out of KMMH?

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Definitely do it! It’s worth the effort! They have done pretty well and gotten used to the turbulence etc.

[@evanskariuki3779]

Great review. Helped me pass instrument. Do you have a video for Avidyne IFR?

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Not specifically but I have a lot of instrument flying videos as part of a series on the Flying Monkey Patreon. They just added a couple free options so check it out at www.patreon.com/socalflyingmonkey

[@evanskariuki3779]

@@SoCalFlyingMonkey Thanks. I have signed up for Patrion. Will watch them

[@jamieweber5005]

I'm a pilot and I can say this airplane I'm my opinion it is better then a Commercial flight

[@davestarr7112]

Testing the theory that the only dumb question is the one you don't ask. What is the dynamic, varting shape and size green "bubble" around your aircraft in the map view? Thanks for a very interesting and informative video, glad to see you can get an autopilot with this high level of capability for a price that won't break the bank. Happy Landings.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

the map view on the iPad? I think that must be the Foreflight glide ring, which it draws based on the glide ratio you set for your aircraft type.

[@davestarr7112]

@@SoCalFlyingMonkey Aha, yes indeed. The question wasn't dumb but it sure was worded that way. I hadn't realized I was looking at the iPad display. But you figured it out, the mark of a good teacher. What a great avionics setup you have and a great job of explaining things. Thanks for all you do, and fly safe and have fun at it!

[@johnmuthamakamau2615]

Watching from Africa, very good quality video am a fan. i dream of having a ppl one day here it is a far fetched dream but i will keep on dreaming coz dreams are free. your family is also very cool

[@pilotreefer2930]

Awesome video

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thanks!

[@piperdakotaflyr]

Hi Eric. Great video. I’m a student pilot. I just bought a Dakota. It has a basic panel. Why did you not go with an ILS autopilot? I assume cost? What are the estimated cost difference? For your flying mission do you feel you wouldn’t fly much ILS? Thank you.

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Yes there is a definite price difference between an autopilot like the Trutrak and one that can fly an ILS. I believe the GFC500 can do it. The price difference from my understanding is at least 2k for the autopilot itself and the GFC500 is a much longer installation and requires one to also have a G5 (which I don't really like). I have heard comparison quotes of installing the Trutrak vs the GFC500 as 8k vs 15k but these are not firsthand numbers. I do know that a Trutrak can be installed for an all-in cost of 8k. Shops can provide quotes for the GFC500/G5 install and you can compare. I find that most airports I fly in to have RNAV approaches. Usually if there is an ILS approach there is also an LPV that is nearly an overlay of the ILS. Having said all this, the Trutrak is not technically certified to fly "coupled instrument procedures" and the GFC500 is. The experimental aircraft world continues to fly coupled approaches with the Trutrak every day, but Trutrak took a quicker route to certification by placing the limitation in the AFMS. Congrats on your Dakota purchase. That is a great airplane!

[@piperdakotaflyr]

Thanks! I appreciate the info. All the best. Stay safe!

[@FlyParis]

Hi Eric you might install Trutrak autotrim module. I have installed it in my plane and it works fine

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Is it available for certified aircraft? I'm thinking you probably have an experimental? Always jealous of the lower cost and larger selection of avionics for experimental aircraft!

[@FlyParis]

@@SoCalFlyingMonkey Yes I've got an LSA

[@azcharlie2009]

If it can't be legally used for instrument approaches, that's a deal killer for me. But I must admit, I've never used my Century IIIB for practice instrument approaches, or IPCs... In fact, in my first solid IFR flight many, many years ago, I forgot I even had an autopilot, I was so nervous not to screw up. It's stuck with me ever since, I guess....

[@GMascelli]

Excellent video!

[@SoCalFlyingMonkey]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ticorodriguez100]

Thank you for the information