autopilot in Beech 1900?

[upndsky]

I'm hoping someone can help settle a bet. My friend says that the Beech 1900C doesn't have an autopilot while the D-model does. I say neither has an autopilot.

Who'se buying the beer?

Thanks.

 

[ifly14u]

most of all the 1900 do not have autopilots that includes the d model also.

 

[PHX767]

There are some corporate 1900's that have autopilots, but these are usually single pilot versions.

When I worked for Mesa, I found to my dismay that they bought some new D's that did not have electric trim, and the FO's flight director mirrored what the CA had set - The FO did not have any FD controls. We called these "D minuses".

 

[AWACoff]

You both can go buy some beer. Most 1900s did not/do not have autopilots but both the C and D models can be found with autopilots. Better yet, let's just say you both lost and each owe me a case of beer....:eek....:

 

[BeechScrub]

Ah yes, the D-minus 1900's. It sucks flying those from the right seat. You brush up against the captain's leg whenever you adjust the trim. Whose idea was that anyways (LR)? I had heard something about some of Mesa's 1900's having autopilots but they sold them all to Great Lakes. Does anybody from Mesa or Lakes know anything about this?

BeechScrub

 

[AWACoff]

When I left Lakes in May of '01, two 1900D models had autopilots. I heard that Voss was going to have them removed due to training costs...no word if he was that short-sighted or not.

 

[HvyjetFO]

David Clarks

I also remember the D-minus at Mesa. Didn't they also take out one of the yaw dampers or something? I remember hearing that every 1900 delivered came with 2 new David Clark headsets that the company took out of the a/c and would try to sell to newhires. I was FloridaGoof Division. Red headed step child that we were!

Hvy

 

[Marko Ramius]

When I left Lakes in May of '01, two 1900D models had autopilots. I heard that Voss was going to have them removed due to training costs...no word if he was that short-sighted or not.

Close. Three airplanes, 225, 170, and 169 had the autopilots. 170 and 169 also have a/s as well for the CGX runs. One of the planes a/p was damaged during some scheduled maintenance and they decided not to replace it. I don't know if it's back now or not. Knowing Lakes, it probably cost them more to get some sort of STC to remove the a/p then would to replace it! Remember the Brasilia galley debacle?

 

[jackofdiamonds]

1900 autopilot

all 1900's have an autopilot. It is carbon based and sits right next to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BeechScrub]

Yeah, the FO in the 1900 is the autopilot, the flight attendant, and the environmental control engineer.

BeechScrub

 

[bob smoker]

I have flown both models of 1900 and BE-100 Kingair. I never flew a 1900 C or D on line with an auto pilot. I have seen other airlines that fly the D model with an auto pilot. Its been long time, but I did fly an FSI 1900 C sim that had an auto pilot. So the answer to your question is yes.

The auto pilot in the "C" is just like the one in the old King Air. Usually only the Captain's side has a flight director and its not as automated as newer systems.

Most any airplane can be fitted with an autopilot system. Usually listed in the MMEL (Master Minimum Equipment List ).

P.S. If I had an opportunity to get back into aviation and it was in a "C" or "D" model I would take it. They are good airplanes and I enjoyed flying them.

 

[EAP]

the ol' 1900 is surely a decent flyer and they rarely, if ever, try to kill you like some other airplanes out there. You can't fault an airplane for making sure you get to enjoy retirement, or the next job, at least!