
( Brand: Edo-aire ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 1D496-11002 ), ( Compatible Make: Avionics )
The EDO Aire Model 1D496-11002 Mitchell Flight Director Autopilot is a sophisticated avionics system designed to enhance the flight experience for pilots by automating various flight control functions. This autopilot system is manufactured by EDO Aviation, a leading provider of flight control and propeller systems for the general aviation market.
The Mitchell Flight Director Autopilot is a three-axis system, which means it can automatically control the pitch, roll, and yaw axes of an aircraft. It utilizes a gyroscopic attitude heading reference system (AHRS) to maintain the aircraft's heading and provide pitch and roll information to the autopilot. The system also includes a baro-corrected airspeed sensor and a vertical speed sensor to provide accurate airspeed and vertical speed information.
One of the key features of the Mitchell Flight Director Autopilot is its user-friendly design. The system includes a backlit, easy-to-read attitude indicator, heading indicator, and vertical speed indicator on the primary flight display. The autopilot mode selector is located on the top of the unit, allowing for quick selection of various flight modes, such as navigation, heading, altitude, and vertical speed.
The Mitchell Flight Director Autopilot also includes a number of advanced features to enhance safety and pilot awareness. For example, it includes a Coupled Roll Mode, which automatically rolls the aircraft to maintain alignment with the magnetic heading during turns. It also includes a Flight Director Bar, which provides visual guidance to the pilot during manual flight, helping to maintain the aircraft on the desired flight path.
The autopilot system is designed for ease of installation and integration with various aircraft types and avionics systems. It includes a standard ARINC 429 interface for connecting to other avionics equipment, as well as a GPS input for navigation functions. The system also includes a built-in attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) back-up, ensuring continued operation of the autopilot in the event of a primary AHRS failure.
Overall, the EDO Aire Model 1D496-11002 Mitchell Flight Director Autopilot is a versatile and advanced avionics system that can help pilots improve their flight experience by automating various flight control functions. Its user-friendly design, advanced features, and ease of installation make it an excellent choice for a wide range of general aviation aircraft.
The Edco-Aire MITCH 1D496-11002 Flight Director Autopilot is a popular choice among general aviation pilots due to its advanced features and ease of use. However, like any other avionics system, it comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Pros:1. Enhanced Situational Awareness: The MITCH Autopilot provides pilots with enhanced situational awareness by displaying critical flight information, such as heading, altitude, airspeed, vertical speed, and navigation information, directly on the primary flight display.
2. Improved Safety: The autopilot system can help reduce pilot workload and fatigue, making flights safer by maintaining heading, altitude, and airspeed during cruise phases. It also provides pilots with warnings and alerts, such as altitude alerts and heading deviations, to help prevent potential accidents.
3. Reduced Fuel Consumption: By maintaining consistent heading, altitude, and airspeed, the autopilot system can help reduce fuel consumption and save pilots money on fuel costs.
4. Easy to Use: The MITCH Autopilot is designed to be easy to use, with intuitive controls and clear displays. It also comes with a built-in training mode, which allows pilots to practice using the system in a simulated environment before flying in real conditions.
Cons:1. Cost: The MITCH Autopilot system can be expensive, with a retail price of around $15,000. This may be a significant investment for some general aviation pilots.
2. Complex Installation: Installing the MITCH Autopilot system can be a complex process, requiring the expertise of a certified avionics installer. The installation process may also involve additional costs for wiring, harnesses, and other components.
3. Dependence on Electrical Power: The autopilot system relies on electrical power to function, which means that it may not be effective during extended power outages or emergencies when electrical power is not available.
4. Limited Capabilities: While the MITCH Autopilot system offers many advanced features, it may not be suitable for all types of flights or weather conditions. For example, it may not be effective in turbulent conditions or during instrument approaches.
Conclusion:The Edco-Aire MITCH 1D496-11002 Flight Director Autopilot offers many benefits for general aviation pilots, including enhanced situational awareness, improved safety, reduced fuel consumption, and easy use. However, it also comes with some drawbacks, such as high cost, complex installation, dependence on electrical power, and limited capabilities.
Recommendation:If you are a general aviation pilot and are considering investing in an autopilot system, the MITCH Autopilot system is definitely worth considering. However, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons and consider your budget, installation capabilities, and flying needs before making a purchase. If cost is a concern, you may want to explore alternative autopilot systems or consider financing options. Additionally, you should ensure that you have access to a certified avionics installer to help with the installation process. Ultimately, the decision to purchase the MITCH Autopilot system or another autopilot system depends on your individual flying needs and preferences.
Hopefully it works for you or is easily repaired. This item has not been tested. Edo-Aire Mitchell Flight Director / Autopilot Computer 1D496-11002, This item is being sold AS-REMOVED.