Fully functioning Genesys digital autopilot system earns FAA authorization

Update: Cessna 177 added to list in early June

Genesys Aerosys earned FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval of the S-TEC 3100 on the Cessna 210K through R models, Beechcraft Bonanza A35/36 series models, and Cessna 182 series, the firm announced on April 10.

Update to this story: The company issued a press release in early June announcing the addition of the 177 to this list.

Genesys Aerosystems is a leading manufacturer of autopilots and stability augmentation systems for fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

The 3100, a 2-axis digital autopilot (3-axis available on some models), brings enhanced features such as automatic trim, envelope protection and alerting, one button straight and level recovery, indicated airspeed hold and altitude preselect (requires baro input), just to name a few.

The 3100 comes standard with traditional autopilot modes like lateral (GPS, VOR, LOC, HDG, LPV, FMS) and vertical (GPS, LPV, GS, VS, ALT) navigation. Understanding the need to be flexible in a mixed cockpit aftermarket, the 3100 also supports many third party EFIS displays and has its own internal ADHRS should an EFIS not be installed.

“As the autopilot experts, we’ve been working on our new autopilot line for several years and are extremely pleased to bring it to the Part 23 marketplace,” noted Jamie Luster, director of sales and marketing. “These airframes are just the first of many STCs that we have lined up this year. We should be adding new aircraft models to our STC list every 2-3 weeks.”

Putting safety and protection first, when the S-TEC 3100 flight director is engaged the system constantly monitors the aircraft flight envelope. Should the pilot exceed the envelope, the system will give aural alerts until the situation is corrected. When the autopilot is engaged, the system will command the aircraft to remain to within the flight envelope.

Genesys is accepting POs for various aircraft models over and above those announced and the owner communities have responded by putting together group buys to ensure they are the first to receive this latest autopilot.

Starting pricing for those with an existing S-TEC system is $9,995 and the full kit (2-axis) starts at $19,995.

Next on the 3100 STC roadmap are the: Cessna P210; Cessna 310, 320, 335, 340 and 340A; Cessna 414, 421 and 425; Piper PA-32 series; and Piper PA-46 series.

For more information: www.genesys-aerosystems.com.