Super Frustrated!! TruTrak/AeroCruze left me stuck!! Now to find a Plan B...EP10

Update as I get this bird back in the air after 22 years.
I ran into a roadblock with the TruTrak/Aerocruze Autopilot and might have to get a different one. A better one. (I'm still working on details, but hope it will happen soon!)
**Send Fan Mail to:
Atlas Aviation
attn: James Webb
4007 Airport Rd
Plant City, FL 33563
PA-32-300 Piper Cherokee 6 review vs Cessna vs Cirrus
Business/Media [e-mail]

[@hardworkingmichael]

great vids! wife and i started watching your stuff after looking up the elvis planes a couple of months ago after visiting graceland. we watched all those, and now have been watching 1 per day of all your vids from your oldest going forward!

[@ClearedAsFiled]

Jimmy, you have more skill and talent in the little finger than I have in my whole body.... You are an inspiration and a great family man... I look forward to EVERY video upload.... Need my Jimmy's World fix.... 👀

[@nickhart5332]

Love seeing the progress Jimmy! Can’t wait to see this bird airborne... so I can come get a ride! 🤣

[@therealjimmysworld]

for real!! another $50,000 and 2 years and it'll finally be there! hahahaha

[@robertocisneros6120]

Over fifty years of being around of Piper airplanes, but it is the first time that I see some parts that are within an aircraft

[@therealjimmysworld]

You're lucky... I was hoping to never see some of these parts! hahahaha, Seriously, this process has given me a huge respect for the systems of the aircraft.

[@jcmm81]

Me too. Jimmy. I’m waiting for Bendix King Cruze 100 control unit AP. From MiDO Cont. I’ve got an answer about the impossibility repair of my 2013 Trutrak Unit.

[@alancrossley4461]

Great to see that the new medication has kicked in!

[@vicfrankiewicz4538]

i have a cherokee 260, and the avionics shop installed the areocruz 100 at the top of the panel rack where you are having it installed. i hated that they installed it there because when they cut the hole in the plastic the autopilot was recessed behind the plastic, terrrible install not professional, i swapped for the round 3" and mounted it next to the radio panel. looks so much better and the plastic piece on top looks great, refiberglassed and epoxy, painted looks like new sorry for the late response.

[@ForTheLoveOfRightRudder]

Jimmy I’m binging atm still waiting to see what that mysterious rocker switch does/did. Don’t leave me hanging man.

[@jucava00]

I hope Pastor Jimmy come back

[@goadamson]

Can I get a CLEAR PROP??!!!

[@kevinjarchow8812]

@@goadamson Amen. But that was beyond cheesy.

[@therealjimmysworld]

hahahaha

[@davidstrannard3193]

You will be very much happier with the Garmin GFC 500 or 600 autopilot. We are installing that along with 2 Garmin GI 275’s in our Cherokee 180. The HSI 275 has engine monitoring as a standard feature and you will not need the JPI. True Track is an installation nightmare and not very well supported by B/K from what we found. Adjustments are too critical on the TT and good luck with tech support. Our avionics shop is one of the best in the country and we went with their recommendation. Great job with your videos.

[@therealjimmysworld]

hhhhmmmmm, I didn't know the 275's had the engine info.... is it primary or secondary?

[@dennisnbrown]

2nd on the GFC 500. Just got one. Awesome.

[@davidstrannard1838]

I don't know if the GI 275 HSI engine monitoring is primary or not. You will have to check on the Garmin website or call them for your questions. Are you a member of Piper Forum? They have a great discussion about the True Track and it cannot be used legally for coupled ILS approaches.

[@therealjimmysworld]

@@davidstrannard1838 Thanks for the feedback. I'll have to check out the Piper Forum. and yes, all the digital only AP's are limited to flying only gps approaches :( Have to hand fly an ILS (if I had to use it)

[@philipbrailey]

Looks like a lot of fun.

[@acro2eaa]

Have you looked at the Trio Autopilot. I believe they have an STC for the PA-32. Functionally about the same as a Tru Track I believe. Same price area i believe.

[@therealjimmysworld]

Interesting...I'll have to check into it. Thank you

[@waltgordon4410]

Looks good Jimmy. We installed McFarlane Cowl Saver Baffle Seals in our Seneca and saw 30C drop in CHTs. Your flexible seals look pretty worn out. While you are waiting on that TruTrak, you could install some!

[@therealjimmysworld]

got a link?

[@waltgordon4410]

@@therealjimmysworld www.mcfarlaneaviation.com/products/category/baffle-seal-material/ I can send you some before and after pictures if you'd like. I was very pleased with the results.

[@careernegotiations276]

Love your channel and presentations. Very spontaneous and amusing. I'm an inactive private pilot. Had to quit due to health and finance. I don't know how you do it. What is it 4 or 5 planes? Love them all. Especially the 310 twin. I envy you. I couldn't afford the nuts and bolts you are going to need. Good luck with the future restorations.

[@mhilderbrand7693]

This video reminds me when I was dumping money into an old PA-28-180. 63 model. I would do a lot of work myself with AP overlooking my work. First 2 months of ownership $3K for leaky fuel tank. First annual $6K. Thought everything was fine at this point, so the the next year I put in and JPI engine monitor system, and then a Tru-Trak auto-pilot system ( maybe another $7K). Only when I could monitor the engine with the JPI did I realize one of my cylinders running really lean. $2K later for trouble shooting and trying different things, they pulled a cylinder and cam was worn!

[@mhilderbrand7693]

Ended up needing an overhaul $25K, or Field repair estimated at just shy of half that price. I did plan C, pretty much gave the plane away after spending another $2.5K on the part of the annual that the mechanic did. I decided to go back to Experimentals!

[@therealjimmysworld]

yep.... that all sounds normal... lol

[@therealjimmysworld]

What experimentals do you like?

[@mhilderbrand7693]

@@therealjimmysworld My mission is primarily local “fun flying.” Started out with a Quad City Challenger (kind of ultralight type). Built a Sonex. Started an RV-10, then transitioned to my current project Zenith Cruzer. After watching more of your videos, I realize you bought your plane really cheap, and getting it airworthy again. Doing it the way you are is probably a better investment than my situation with the Cherokee 180.

[@therealjimmysworld]

Those are cool planes!

[@faraskhan3940]

Be careful you may get noise from antennas together! Remember induction . If you do put them together make sure they are shielded with proper rating!

[@therealjimmysworld]

You are correct. I have considered that and I'm upgrading all the comm antennas to the 400 series coax. Which will help way more over the old 58 stuff.

[@MD-ob1gq]

I'm a little late on this one but LMR-400 is great stuff. Been a radio tech (not avionics but radio is radio) for over 18 years. Its easy to strip and their connectors are solid. You do have to be mindful of cable length which can cause SWR issues.

[@jimg205]

Holy Avionics Jimmy $$$$$$$$$$ I think you purchased an avionics stack and they threw in a plane and engine !

[@therealjimmysworld]

hahahaha, it's about weight and balance ;) I don't want the avionics to get jealous of the engine. Spread the wealth... take from the rich and give to the plane... or something like that! ahahaha

[@smokingspitfire1197]

Hi Jimmy. Have you considered the rather fantastic Trio system? Its really affordable and you can have both stack and circle mounted head units. I can hook you up with the group that sorts them out for certified aircraft if you'd like.

[@therealjimmysworld]

I'll have to check into it.

[@smokingspitfire1197]

@@therealjimmysworld I spoke to the chap, Jeff, from the ProPilot STC group. They said they were willing to come fit it for you too. If you want, throw me an SMS at 585-420-8066 I'd love to help (public business number so no problem posting it here).

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

G, day Jimmy from Sydney, Australia. * are you going to corrosion treat the aluminium inside surface while open. * there is a product we call ' form shield' aluminium backed foam 1/2" in roll 3' great for insulation and heat deflection - lightweight *The cooling aprons top of engine: do they make contact with cowling's? 🌏🇭🇲

[@therealjimmysworld]

we are treating it with corrosion x. Can you send a link to the stuff you're referring to?

[@johnfitzpatrick2469]

@@therealjimmysworld G, day, You may find similar to this product at stores or via mail in the U.S www.clarkrubber.com In the menu tool bar type in; * Insulation silver/black foam ($29.95 m) *Extruded rubber door seals (use the old ones for size and length $14.95 m) 🌏♻➰

[@therealjimmysworld]

@@johnfitzpatrick2469 Thanks so much, I'll check it out!

[@chrisfoote9522]

Re: no DME - Appreciating that my flying days are a couple of decades back, I found the DME handy when flying in to Falcon Field in Mesa, Az when all of the control zones are centered in Phoenix. While navigating VFR into Mesa, I used the DME to stay clear of their class B airspace. Being from Canada I was not familiar with the area and tried to stay on the good side of the terminal control folks. Likely the technology today has made this redundant.

[@therealjimmysworld]

I'm waiting for the day when the marker beacon and vor stuff is taken off line. Although, that does not leave any redundancy in the system...

[@michaelt2682]

Jimmys World they’ve removed the marker beacons here in Aus - now there’s a GPS waypoint in ILS approaches for the check height, rather than the markers.

[@therealjimmysworld]

@@michaelt2682 That would be soooo much better!

[@masseydraper1165]

Don't know if it will help but I have relatives in Wyoming Delaware that own a plane salvage yard. Jenkins airplane parts. Hope it helps

[@therealjimmysworld]

Thanks! What's the family discount code? ;). Do they have any props for that 310? You'll find out the details in the next video...

[@waqarsyed6641]

Awesome dude

[@therealjimmysworld]

Thank you!

[@chuckthomas8176]

Very informative

[@chadgriffith5819]

Im hearing 3 plus months for the tru track. Thats how long it took my friends to get them just recently.

[@therealjimmysworld]

I have a surprise update on this topic coming soon :)

[@kr6dr]

I’m glad you didn’t go with the TruTrak, considering their failures. I would rather see your progress than have Dan Gryder do a video about you!

[@Bansheeboat]

What do those 3 controls do Jimmy the black blue and red?

[@therealjimmysworld]

depends on how much money you want to spend...hahahahaha

[@Bansheeboat]

@@therealjimmysworld 🤣 It's time Jimmy my time = money that why longer videos are 🔥 I'm coming down to visit you when I get a plane haha the in-laws have a place in Florida.

[@isac.2h]

Black = Throttle lever Blue = Prop Angle (only on constant speed aircraft) Red = Mixture Level (controls how much fuel is mixed with air to the engine)

[@therealjimmysworld]

@@isac.2h Thanks for the comment and sharing that with the folks (the technically correct answer). I just say, each one is a decimal place on how much money you spend when they get pushed up...

[@isac.2h]

@@therealjimmysworld The addition of the blue lever is 1500 and the removal of the blue and red is 5 million! Makes tooootal sense.

[@Kiwi_Pilot]

Put the 930, not JPI830 because with the 930, you can remove other duplicate instruments. With the 830, you aren't allowed to remove the old instruments

[@therealjimmysworld]

I love the 930, and I would love to yank all this old stuff out! Dual G5's to scrap the vacuum system, 930 to scrap the old instruments, but....yeah....trying to keep my all in money under $80,000 when I'm done so I have room for any potential major issues with the engine. Let's put some hours on it first and then talk about that stuff.

[@gevmage]

You have so much work to do before this flies, I would say wait for the autopilot that you want. Get it done right; making hurried decisions to change at the last minute might lead to more annoyance. I'm likewise frustrated with them. TruTrak has been saying that they were going to certify for Mooneys for *years*. Well I've been keeping tabs more closely ever since they got acquired by Bendix/King. Bendix/King says they're just now thinking about *starting" on the Mooney autopilot. Aaaaargh. There just are no autopilots certified for my M-20F that don't cost more than half as much as the plane is worth. That's really annoying.

[@therealjimmysworld]

yep... I like the Mooneys, They fly so well. However, for a project it had to be a cessna or Piper for that very reason.

[@Bansheeboat]

Woo hoo! What is a Triplexor?

[@gevmage]

I think what he's talking about is also called an impedance-matching splitter. It takes the signal from the VOR antenna and splits it into 108-118 MHz bands (VOR and localizer) and the 330 MHz (glideslope) to separately go into whatever receives them.

[@therealjimmysworld]

@@gevmage @bansheeboat, what he said.

[@AlessioColantonio]

Am I the only one getting Hoovie’s Garage vibes??

[@BrentWolff]

Hello and welcome to Jimmies Hanger, and yes I bought the cheapest Cherokee six in the country.......

[@therealjimmysworld]

@@BrentWolff hahahaha, that's fantastic!!!

[@therealjimmysworld]

"Welcome to the dumbest aviation channel in all of KZbin"

[@smokingspitfire1197]

@@therealjimmysworld You need to make this reference as a joke intro at some point! He would love to see that.

[@therealjimmysworld]

@@smokingspitfire1197 The video I did today has a good reference intro ;)

[@gilbertfranklin1537]

6 weeks! Hell, they built Rome in less time than that! Life's not fair sometimes.. 😣

[@therealjimmysworld]

Just found out it might be longer for that AP.... however! I found a different, better replacement!!! Details coming soon.

[@bzadventuresandcommentary4483]

If you need help with that autopilot or avionics troubleshooting let me know, im pretty proficient in the systems you are putting in.

[@therealjimmysworld]

nice! Thanks so much!

[@easttexan2933]

Rev Jimmy, I was just wondering if you have done an extensive engine inspection since that engine has set so long. I would hate to think you would spend all this money on electronics and then have to replace the engine or get a TBO after just a few hours. Just curious.

[@therealjimmysworld]

That was the #1 priority. Basically, I bought an engine and got a plane for free. We did compression leakdown, bore scope on the cylinders, oil change and cut open the filter, bore scope inside the engine to look at the cam (that's my biggest concern) several run ups and checked everything else we could think of before I bought it. So.... the next 100 hours will be the test...

[@easttexan2933]

@@therealjimmysworld thank you for taking the time to put all that down on paper. You gotta do another one of those Pastor Jim skits. Hilarious.

[@therealjimmysworld]

@@easttexan2933 Pastor Jim only works on the Sunday after payday. I'm sure I can ask him to come back sometime :)

[@easttexan2933]

@@therealjimmysworld Invite him over for some southern fried chicken lol

[@therealjimmysworld]

@@easttexan2933 That's right! that smell attracts preachers from 50 miles around!

[@christophermarsh6983]

Maybe I missed it but I am curious. Is the plane financed? Are the inspection and avionics upgrade part of that financing or are you out of pocket?

[@therealjimmysworld]

liquidate my kids college account... pheesh, we all knew he wasn't college material... put that money to good use!

[@christophermarsh6983]

@@therealjimmysworld You know, hes probably got a kidney and some blood hes not using either. Maybe you can spring for a Garmin 530!

[@therealjimmysworld]

@@christophermarsh6983 oooooo, forgot about those!! ;). 530 for the next plane...

[@cya9240]

got you / clouds you are after - a race 3rd get's his hole by the 4th him behind // safe water - stay out of Y2K38 - as you like your coffee

[@klaasomega1]

Klasse Great Job Nice Joop Visser From Holland.

[@andy1esp105]

Honestly the TruTrak is not all that. Is cheaply made. Feels like your putting a stero system in your kids power wheels. The leakage for the autopilot servo is not robust at all. It almost feels cheap like. I would prefer the GFC 500 for a low cost more robust sold autopilot for about 7,600 for two axis autopilot. Most of my airline customers that fly the big Boeing and Airbus love this autopilot. Of course for them I install it on top of the stack. Save you money and get that. Have a G5 HSI couple to the autopilot and interface it to your 430W. Then later add you ADI version of the G5. That vacuum system is dead weight and you don’t know when you current DG or ADI will take a crap. There not that dependable at all! Save you the heart aches and loss of the thousands of dollars you spend on the TruTrak and spend a little more to get a better autopilot. There customers right now on the list to remove the TruTrak and getting an GFC500!

[@therealjimmysworld]

I've considered the Garmin, however, everyone I talk to only a Garmin authorized install shop is allowed to sell one or install one and I'm trying to do this in house.

[@careernegotiations276]

Career Negotiations = Ron from Massachusetts.

[@thebigbilltheory4388]

Cool video Jimmy. I was thinking. I’m not sure if anyone else thinks the same. But maybe a lapel mic would be better. Sometimes it’s hard to hear. Plus you’d have to worry less about planes and hanger echo. Sorry for the delay for your panel. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open.

[@therealjimmysworld]

Thanks for the feedback (pun intended!). I've been playing with one, but haven't got the hang of it yet. I'll try again :)

[@thebigbilltheory4388]

@@therealjimmysworld cool. They can be a pain as well. And it’s only sometimes. Catch you on the next one.

[@aerospot2]

When you met your wife, were you already a pilot, or flying? Seems you have some support, else you wouldnt be so 'happy'... Happy Wife.....

[@eric514]

Maybe use the wait time to give attention to your gf. Long term game lol :-) Keep up the vids, love it that they’re short and frequent. If ever you’re in Montreal I’ll take you on a city tour flight, with our non-complaining gf’s of course.

[@therealjimmysworld]

As soon as your dictator allows you to leave the house, I'd love to cross the border! beautiful place!

[@eric514]

@@therealjimmysworld are you far from our Igloo land ?

[@therealjimmysworld]

@@eric514 just down the road a few thousand miles :) Florida

[@eric514]

@@therealjimmysworld ahhh with our snowbirds !!

[@therealjimmysworld]

@@eric514 yep, flew south and never went back! hahaha

[@eddylauterback1312]

Pack a flare gun so you can signal where you landed, hopefully. By watching this we are guilty because of the money you receive!

[@therealjimmysworld]

now you're talkin! "money I receive"? what money is that?! this plane does nothing but suck money from every orifice it comes near... lol

[@mailanosyahrizal6176]

to much talking boring