KAP 140 replacement.

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blsewardjr
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KAP 140 replacement.

Post by blsewardjr »

After talking with Bendix King, Garmin and Genesis (STEC) at Oshkosh, the news is not particularly good. Benedict King has a new slide in replacement but it's only for the KAP 150 and other AI based autopilots. I asked about the KAP 140 and was told BK would "probably" certify the AP to replace it but we would also probably need new servos. Price is 10k plus new AI plus installation. Signed up my DA40 to be an STC aircraft for the new Garmin autopilot but not holding my breath that Garmin will certify soon, if ever. Genesis told me they will be focusing on aircraft that are already STCed for STEC autopilots, which DA40s and DA42's are not. Still find it hard to believe that no one seems to want to touch the large number of C172's, C182's, DA40's and Da42's with the KAP 140 autopilot.
Bernie Seward, IR, AGI
2003 DA40 N377DS
KCHO Charlottesville, VA
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ememic99
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Re: KAP 140 replacement.

Post by ememic99 »

It's strange that nobody commented this in almost a year. Does anyone know whether there are any plans for STEC's STC for Diamond aircraft?
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blsewardjr
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Re: KAP 140 replacement.

Post by blsewardjr »

Emir- Here's the most recent discussion for STEC's STC for the DA40 -- viewtopic.php?f=8&t=6315&hilit=stec#p68100
Bernie Seward, IR, AGI
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KCHO Charlottesville, VA
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Lance Murray
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Re: KAP 140 replacement.

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Bump
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Derek
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Re: KAP 140 replacement.

Post by Derek »

Why replace it? Is something wrong with it or is it no longer repairable? It’s a good autopilot.
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Rich
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Re: KAP 140 replacement.

Post by Rich »

Derek wrote: Tue Nov 16, 2021 3:25 am Why replace it? Is something wrong with it or is it no longer repairable? It’s a good autopilot.
I agree. There are "better" autopilots out there, but are they $25K+ better? Mine has worked fine for me for 19+ years.

Having said that, it is rational to have some path for replacement at some not inconceivable future when the model is no longer supported and parts become unavailable and/or eye-popping expensive. :shock:
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
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Colin
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Re: KAP 140 replacement.

Post by Colin »

I think I replaced three pitch servos in ten years. $2k a piece? Does that sound right? Labor and parts?

At the shop when I replaced the last one I saw them working on a Garmin GFC700 plane. I asked how often they had to replace the pitch servo motors on those. He said, "I don't know." Oh, are you not authorized to work on Garmin? "No, we're an authorized Garmin Service Center, I've just never seen a problem with a GFC700."

So that might be worth $25k to someone, especially if you have the plane for a long while.
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Rich
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Re: KAP 140 replacement.

Post by Rich »

Colin wrote: Wed Nov 17, 2021 8:43 pm I think I replaced three pitch servos in ten years. $2k a piece? Does that sound right? Labor and parts?
And I had one pitch servo replaced in 2004 under warranty (Bendix/King covered labor, too), so I've spent $0.00 on mine.
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
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Lance Murray
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Re: KAP 140 replacement.

Post by Lance Murray »

The other auto pilots out there are significantly better but I'm really not sure how much I would be willing to spend. The KAP 140 gets the job done. Well mostly gets the job done.
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Rich
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Re: KAP 140 replacement.

Post by Rich »

Some of the limitations of the KAP140 are due to the KCS55A HSI system originally provided. But with the installation of an Aspen or a G5 (as HSI), in combination with even the lowly GNS units, you now get GPSS and can use coupled holds, procedure turns and DME arcs. I've even found with the Aspen the unit flies turbulence better.

I was flying RNAV approaches today with variable 25 knot crosswinds-to-tailwinds. It captured the LP+V and took us right down the pipe without a hitch.
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
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