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BendixKing Aerocruze 100 Digital Autopilot System For Piper

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PA-28PA-32
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2 Inch Round Display3 Inch Round DisplayFlat Pack
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12 Volt24 Volt
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Overview

The AeroCruze 100 is an affordable and flexible digital autopilot system for Piper PA-28 and PA-32 aircraft. The AeroCruze100 provides a seamless integration with the AeroVue Touch EFIS as well as a variety of other manufacturers.

The complete system is offered at a low cost, with the choice of three form-factor variations:
  • • 2” round
  • • 3” round
  • • Flat pack
Powerful and Flexible
Emergency autopilot level button helps to bring the aircraft to a wings-level position. Connects to either hand-held GPS or IFR panel mount GPS systems. When connected to hand-held GPS, follows programmed flight plans. When connected to panel mount GPS, autopilot follows roll steering commands to fly complex flight plans Similar to lane assist in automobiles, the AEP stand-by mode monitors aircraft bank angle. Autopilot corrects the bank angles greater than 45 degrees by automatic roll command.
   
California Prop 65 Warning Symbol

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Standard Features

  • Bank Angle Select (if no GPS signal)
  • Track Select
  • GPS Nav (point to point type flight plans)
  • GPSS (roll steering commands)
  • Vertical Speed Select
  • Altitude Hold
  • Altitude Select
  • Altitude Pre-Select
  • GPSV (LPV Approaches)
  • Control Wheel Steering
  • Emergency Level
  • AEP (Bank Angle Protection Mode)
  • Roll Servo
  • Pitch Servo
  • Install Kit
  • Wiring Harness

Specifications

  • 12-28 Volt Variants
  • 2” Round: 2.5” H x 2.5” W x 5.5” D
  • 3” Round: 3.25” H x 3.25” W x 5.5” D
  • Flat Pack: 1.6” H x 4.3” W x 6.1” D

Reviews

This is just a follow-up to a question I asked recently. BendixKing support verified that the Aerocruze 100 can be installed as a standalone system. In that case you manually input heading and altitude.

Michael N
August 26, 2021

This is follow up after flying VFR with the BKAC100 for several years in a P28-180. I installed it myself with an IA as an advisor who did the final inspection and sign off. It works quite well. Dont be afraid to order the smaller of the two round versions. The only difference is the outer bezel size. They both have the same size display and controls. So if the smaller is available sooner and you can make it work, its a good choice. One operational point that is sometimes confusing is the + or - sign associated with the rate of altitude change setting. If you set a target altitude above the current altitude but the rate of change is a negative number, the plane will just maintain the current altitude. Once you set it to a positive climb rate, the climb to target altitude will begin. I had to work with the Aero Cruze support team during the install because of three issues. One servo was set way below the intended torque and could barely move the controls. Another issue was a bad circuit board in the control head. The final issue was a missing wire in the interconnect harness.

Michael N
September 17, 2023

Q&A

Please note, Aircraft Spruce's personnel are not certified aircraft mechanics and can only provide general support and ideas, which should not be relied upon or implemented in lieu of consulting an A&P or other qualified technician. Aircraft Spruce assumes no responsibility or liability for any issue or problem which may arise from any repair, modification or other work done from this knowledge base. Any product eligibility information provided here is based on general application guides and we recommend always referring to your specific aircraft parts manual, the parts manufacturer or consulting with a qualified mechanic.

Q: Do these BendixKing Aerocruze autopilots come with the STC form and installation manual with sale? Who can install the item?

The STC can be requested at the time of order. The installation manual can be downloaded as a PDF from the manufacturers website. For the installation, the unit can be installed by a certified installer or an A&P.

Q: What is needed to interface the BendixKing Aerocruze unit with the Garmin G5 and a Garmin GPS175 - do you need to buy a GAD29B?

Per BendixKing, the AeroCruze 100 is capable of following the heading bug, altitude bug, and synchronizing the barometer and altimeter to the G5. An ARINC source switch (DPDT) is required when interfacing with the G5 and GPS175. A GAD29 is required, but it does not have to the GAD29B.

Q: Is it approved for PA32T, T tailed Lance?

Per BendixKing: Yes, Part # 11-18038 is an approved autopilot system for Piper PA-28 and PA-32 aircraft.

Q: Please confirm that this can be installed on certified aircraft in Canada.

Per the manufacturer Bendix King P/N 11-18038 can be installed in a certified aircraft. It is FAA approved, but you would need to discuss with your local aviation authority or A&P to determine if it meets the rules for certified in Canada.

Q: Are these BendixKing Aerocruze 100 autopilots approved for a t-tail piper pa 38 tomahawk?

No, the kits listed on this page are approved for the Piper PA 28 and PA 32. Please contact our avionics sales department to determine if a kit can be ordered for your aircraft.

Q: Does the BendixKing Aerocruze come with servos or reuse existing?

This kit includes the servos. You will need to use the new servos.

Q: Can this BENDIXKING AEROCRUZE 100 DIGITAL AUTOPILOT SYSTEM FOR PIPER be used without interface to other avionics ie can a heading and/or altitude be selected directly on the unit?

No, it requires a compatible EFIS to function properly and to drive it.

Q: Will this Aerocruze 100 autopilot unit interface with Dual XGPS160?

No, the autopilot does not interface with an XGPS160.

Q: Will this Aerocruze 100 autopilot work with a GI-275?

No. Only the following bendix king units are called out in the install manual: kta 870, kmh 820, kta 970, kmh 920, kn 53,kx 155a/165a, kx155/165, kma 24, kma 28, kma 26.

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