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Before You Quote
by Dennis Tolleson, Manager, Dealer Sales Recently, the S-TEC Sales Department has fielded numerous dealer questions and concerns about STC applicability when airframe modifications and repairs are present on an airplane considered for an S-TEC installation. Unfortunately, in almost all cases, these questions have come to our attention after the job has been quoted, the installation has been started, and the airplane is lying all over the hangar floor. In the April 1998 S-TEC Approach Mike Keirnan covered several very important points relative to the research you need regarding a certified aircraft prior to quoting the installation of an autopilot. Please review that article. In order to help you avoid pitfalls, we felt we should reiterate some of the points Mike covered. STC's done by S-TEC usually only cover standard configuration aircraft. Exceptions will be specifically stated in the Supplemental Type Certificate. The STC directory in your Dealer Manual contains a list, by aircraft, of FAA approvals for S-TEC autopilots available for installation. Footnotes are listed under the applicable kit or ST number to aid you in asking questions, such as the use of approved aircraft modifications with the specific STC in question. Other items covered in the footnotes include aircraft serial number effectivity, additional parts that may be required in addition to the normal hardware kit such as bell cranks or trim cables, and many other points that could affect the installation itself. It is very important that you review these notes before you quote a system. If the footnotes are not clear or you have a specific question that is not addressed, please call the Sales Department, and we will make every effort possible to answer your questions. |