New autopilot - DFC90

We recently installed a new autopilot in the Cirrus. This one, a DFC90, is a drop-in replacement for the STEC 55X we used to have and adds a few great features:
  • Much more precise as it uses the digital sensors in the airplane instead of fewer, analog-only sensors as before
  • It can climb at a constant airspeed, which is great for maximizing climb rate without risking the airplane getting too slow
  • It will automatically correct a too-slow or too-fast condition when the autopilot is running
  • It has a "straight and level" button that can be pressed anytime you need a quick way to get the airplane into a good attitude/state.
SkyTech in Rock Hill did a great job with the install and everything worked well except we still have a bit of an overshooting of heading when turning right. It's better than it was with the old autopilot, but we are working with Avidyne to sort it out.

We also think the turn coordinator may be going bad, so we plan to get that checked. Additionally the MFD locks up occasionally for a few seconds at a time. We have been told that upgrading to the new software, v8.1 should fix that up.

I made a video of my test flight today just before I flew down to KJZI.

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