This was a very good review. There is not much information about this autopilot. As another C-150 owner, it is frustrating that we do not have many options for a panel-mounted a/p. Trio is anticipating approval shortly, and I am hopeful one day Garmin will consider adding the 150 to the GFC 500 approved list.
This looks really cool, and I think even just a 1-axis would do a lot to reduce workload. Hoping to see a Piper Cherokee option next. I wonder if it may be possible to get a 90-degree connector for the interface decice with the buttons so the silly wire doesn't stick out.
Cool...do you have the constance beeping like I heard in the video while it was working...hope to see cross country flights while using it...thanks for sharing.
very nice video I appreciate it. I have a Cessna 172N and is thinking about getting one. I have a question since you have the single axis system how do you make your altitude changes? do you disengage the actuator make the change and then reengage? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Great video again. I looked at these a year or so ago, but did not do anything for the same reasons that you cited. I have a 150J, so It looks like it will not work for me anyway. I can afford an installed autopilot, but I'm not sure that I want to put that much money in a 150. On the PortaPilot, that installation did not look that easy to me. Can it be attached to an iPad? Your videos are always very good. Thanks for this one.
It really is easy, I just was being more "permanent" in my install. A quick install not being as tidy would have been really fast. An iPad can drive it provided the flight software has NMEA out capability with the correct adapters
C150J simply needs a newer style yoke collar (2460038-1). Inexpensive, easy to replace. One bolt releases yoke, four small screws replace yoke collar. But not DYI
How does Trim get handled…does it prompt you to adjust trim and indicate when it’s in trim? Also…for altitude hold, does it prompt you to make adjustments to throttle, etc? I enjoy your videos..I’m nearby you and own a 150 based at DKX.
Yes it does prompt you to adjust trim and will indicate when it's in trim. However I only have the NAV model, and not the VNAV. Thanks for watching and good to have someone nearby. Are you hangared?
I actually just got a Hangar at Seymour Airpark TN20…but I also have a tiedown at DKX as my teenagers are both working on their Private Certificate at DKX and train out of there.
This little system appears to be a clever and relatively budget friendly way to upgrade various GA aircraft to GPS autopilot navigation. Does the FAA consider this setup adequate/certified for IFR navigation?
Thanks for the video. It looks like there's an input/output monitor, an actuator that drives the yoke and a processor unit that controls the actuator. My question is how do you connect your GPS unit to the processor unit? Is it hard wired? or is it wireless driven?
This was a very good review. There is not much information about this autopilot. As another C-150 owner, it is frustrating that we do not have many options for a panel-mounted a/p. Trio is anticipating approval shortly, and I am hopeful one day Garmin will consider adding the 150 to the GFC 500 approved list.
Glad it was helpful! I agree!
Great Video. Creative thinking must have gone into this.
Definitely. I feel this is a real niche waiting to catch on
This looks really cool, and I think even just a 1-axis would do a lot to reduce workload. Hoping to see a Piper Cherokee option next. I wonder if it may be possible to get a 90-degree connector for the interface decice with the buttons so the silly wire doesn't stick out.
I did add a 90 degree and it's much better. They are working on a new cable as well to tidy things up
Very neat unit. Now if it would just work in my Kitfox. 😉
Cool...do you have the constance beeping like I heard in the video while it was working...hope to see cross country flights while using it...thanks for sharing.
I certainly do not hear it while flying. I had a ground needing moved on the intercom so I believe it's gone now
Damn they're even coming for Pilots jobs!! Cool video!
Thanks for watching!
very nice video I appreciate it. I have a Cessna 172N and is thinking about getting one. I have a question since you have the single axis system how do you make your altitude changes? do you disengage the actuator make the change and then reengage? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
There is no restriction on the yoke for pitch changes. you can move the yoke in and out.
@@cessna150pilot6 Excellent, that's good to hear, thank you for the response.
Great video again. I looked at these a year or so ago, but did not do anything for the same reasons that you cited. I have a 150J, so It looks like it will not work for me anyway. I can afford an installed autopilot, but I'm not sure that I want to put that much money in a 150. On the PortaPilot, that installation did not look that easy to me. Can it be attached to an iPad? Your videos are always very good. Thanks for this one.
It really is easy, I just was being more "permanent" in my install. A quick install not being as tidy would have been really fast. An iPad can drive it provided the flight software has NMEA out capability with the correct adapters
C150J simply needs a newer style yoke collar (2460038-1). Inexpensive, easy to replace. One bolt releases yoke, four small screws replace yoke collar. But not DYI
How does Trim get handled…does it prompt you to adjust trim and indicate when it’s in trim? Also…for altitude hold, does it prompt you to make adjustments to throttle, etc?
I enjoy your videos..I’m nearby you and own a 150 based at DKX.
Yes it does prompt you to adjust trim and will indicate when it's in trim. However I only have the NAV model, and not the VNAV. Thanks for watching and good to have someone nearby. Are you hangared?
I actually just got a Hangar at Seymour Airpark TN20…but I also have a tiedown at DKX as my teenagers are both working on their Private Certificate at DKX and train out of there.
Liked and subscribed. Please do a follow up / make more content on the PortaPilot 👍👍
Thanks so much and will do!
This little system appears to be a clever and relatively budget friendly way to upgrade various GA aircraft to GPS autopilot navigation. Does the FAA consider this setup adequate/certified for IFR navigation?
No, the FAA does not consider this for anything as it's portable. This is pilot choice. However in an emergency it would be nice to have!
Was actually flight tested by the FAA. Since not bolted to aircraft, it is not under certification jurisdiction of FAA.
Thanks for the video. It looks like there's an input/output monitor, an actuator that drives the yoke and a processor unit that controls the actuator. My question is how do you connect your GPS unit to the processor unit? Is it hard wired? or is it wireless driven?
This is hardwired. However there are Bluetooth to serial adapters out there if one wanted to be wireless
Does the power to the unit act as a quick disconnect? Or do you have to remove the control arm to really disconnect the thing?
Remove the servo carrier
I’d rather a Garmin autopilot than some clip on Mickey Mouse system
I think that is true for all of us if it was affordable and approved for each aircraft we need one on