Category Archives: Light aircraft avionics

Piper Autocontrol III Wing Leveller Fault Finding

Posted on April 10, 2023 by davidcrocker

Recently I had the chance to investigate a Piper Autocontrol III (which is a rebadged Century II) 2-axis autopilot. The unit was installed in a Piper Cherokee and had been placarded “Autopilot inop”. The owner reported that avionics shops considered … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, Light aircraft avionics | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Alternator failure warning in Piper PA28 aircraft

Posted on June 5, 2011 by davidcrocker

Some time ago I came across this Air Accident Investigation Branch report concerning a PA32R that landed gear-up following an alternator failure. The report noted: “It was apparent that the ALT caption, which illuminates whenever there is no output from … Continue reading →

Posted in Light aircraft avionics | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

What you probably didn’t know about the Bendix-King KI-525A HSI

Posted on June 5, 2011 by davidcrocker

The Bendix-King KI-525A HSI and associated KCS-55A compass system was a popular avionics upgrade for light aircraft until the advent of the Sandell electronic HSI and, more recently, glass-cockpit systems from Garmin, Aspen and others. Although it is a mechanical … Continue reading →

Posted in Light aircraft avionics | Tagged , , | 52 Comments

Troubleshooting old Century autopilots

Posted on February 16, 2011 by davidcrocker

Quite a few older light aircraft have old analogue autopilots installed, such as the Century III, or the Piper Altimatic IIIc that is installed in my own aircraft. These can be troublesome, so here are some tips on how they … Continue reading →

Posted in Light aircraft avionics | Tagged , , , | 699 Comments