Budget Autopilot From Trio Avionics Approved For More Aircraft

STC approval for additional models is also in the works

Plane & Pilot

Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at 09:55 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The FAA has issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for Trio Avionics' Pro Pilot two-axis autopilot, extending its approved installation to Cessna 177, 180, and 185 aircraft.
This expands the autopilot's availability beyond its previous approval for Cessna 172, 175, 182, and Piper PA-28 models.
The certified Pro Pilot autopilot costs $3,495, with installation kits ranging from $2,500 to $3,000, and typical installation time around 30-40 hours.
The STC Group is actively pursuing further STC approvals, with a Piper PA-32 STC anticipated soon and prototype projects underway for other aircraft like the Cessna 190/195/210, select Beechcraft, and Grumman AA5 models.

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On February 6^th, the FAA issued Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval to install the Pro Pilot two-axis autopilot from Trio Avionics in Cessna 177s, 180s and 185s. The autopilot was already available for the Cessna 172, 175, 182 and Piper PA-28.

The Trio Avionics Pro Pilot is now available for the Cessna 177 Cardinal — *PHOTO: Aleksander Markin – CC BY-SA 2.0/Flickr*

Cost of the certified version of the Trio Pro Pilot autopilot is $3,495. Installation kits run between $2,500 and $3,000. The kits can be purchased through The STC Group, the company responsible for pursuing STC approval for the installation of Trio autopilots in certified aircraft. Expected installation time for the autopilot is around 30-40 hours in most cases.

The STC Group is hoping to have an STC in hand for the Piper PA-32 this coming April. According to the company, prototype projects are also in the works for the Cessna 190 and 195, Cessna 210, Beechcraft Models 35 to S35, Debonair, and Grumman AA5.

Learn more at The STC Group and Trio Avionics.