Beech 1900 Lack of Autopilot Question
- Thread starter jwp_145
- Start date
beechpilot
Well-Known Member
As Seggy will tell you, it helps put hair on your chest.
Murdoughnut
Well sized member
According to Tab Express' website (circa 2002) they take them out so you can learn to fly the plane yourself.
beechpilot
Well-Known Member
I actually enjoy hand flying the Baron over using the autopilot. In all seriousness, I'm not sure of the exact answer but I think it has to do with weight.
KLB
Well-Known Member
I'd have to say the simple answer is that they can be operated without them pretty easily and it reduces maintenance cost. Some of AMF's have autopilots and some of them don't. It's the same way with their 99's.
jwp_145
GhostRider in the Sky
My friend had a Be55 with some ancient autopilot... when you clicked on or off the altitude hold the airplane lurched like you just hit clear air turb!
And the STec in the SR20s is not much better with heading mode... just oscillates back and forth.
beechpilot
Well-Known Member
Yeah, I hear ya. I've run into that on occasion. That's when you're like "damn't, I've had enough of this!" and just handfly.
beechpilot
Well-Known Member
Were you guys a B190/A? At least then you could count down the DME.
beechpilot
Well-Known Member
That's cool. Aside from the Barons, which are /G, I'm still flying some planes that are /U. That can get interesting.............
TUCKnTRUCK
That guy
Weight issue.
When the weights changed, it got harder to load a 1900 all the way if you have bad weather. The auto pilot and supporting equipment weighs close to 200 lbs.
That, and the mx issue. Because the 1900 under 121 is a 2 pilot operation, there is no need for the autopilot.. so why spend money on it.
When the weights changed, it got harder to load a 1900 all the way if you have bad weather. The auto pilot and supporting equipment weighs close to 200 lbs.
That, and the mx issue. Because the 1900 under 121 is a 2 pilot operation, there is no need for the autopilot.. so why spend money on it.
USMCmech
Well-Known Member
Since virtually all 1900s were sold to regional airlines with 2 pilot crews, there wasn't a need for an auto pilot. You already have a second pilot anyway, why pay for the upkeep for a third.
Now that many 1900s are showing up as freight feeders flown by a single pilot, "george" is being installed. I'm not sure if an AP is required per the MEL or not if it is flown single pilot.
One of the AMF pilots told me that they own the STC for the autopilot in the B99, since it never had one from the factory.
Now that many 1900s are showing up as freight feeders flown by a single pilot, "george" is being installed. I'm not sure if an AP is required per the MEL or not if it is flown single pilot.
One of the AMF pilots told me that they own the STC for the autopilot in the B99, since it never had one from the factory.
KLB
Well-Known Member
They are just starting to make auto pilots standard equipment in all the aircraft. It's a slooowww process. They've been working on it for almost 2 years.
jynxyjoe
The Kickin' Chicken!
The aircraft was certified under Part 23 (commuter category) standards. Does not require things like autopilot, flight control disconnects, or the same electrical bus separations you are required to have on a Part 25 aircraft. You can always add it on but it costs $$$
Part 23 is much easier to certify than Part 25 aircraft. Part 23 aircraft in the commuter clause cannot weigh more than 19,000lbs on takeoff. 1900 pilots: What is the max takeoff weight of the 1900 (17,120 or something. Like to hear from the guys with a lav onboard the 1900)? Autopilots cost a lot of money and weight that could be a pax bag, you don't need it.
mtsu_av8er
Well-Known Member
I've got hundreds of hours in Barons with no DME or autopilots!!!
PilotBeckfizzle
Well-Known Member
because its the mighty beech! duh...