Garmin G5 stack with a Century Autopilot

[mikelupo]

Be advised:
If you have a PA-28 with an autopilot that uses the Artificial Horizon for one of its inputs (as mine does), you will have to retain your vac system. Why? Read on...

I have a PA-28-181 (Archer II) that has a Century 21 Autopilot. I had hyped myself up thinking I could completely remove my vacuum system and go all G5 with the STC'd G5 stack for certified aircraft available on Aircraft Spruce. Well...that is till I had a casual conversation with a friend who works in an avionics shop who informed me that I could not utterly remove the vac system. After he told me this, I went directly to Garmin to get their official word. (See the quoted block below).

My workaround I suppose would be to move the AH to where my current CDI/GS is.
I would then have both the AH and HSI G5 in the center of the 6 pack, and the vac driven AH to the right of the G5 AH.
I still have analog radios (KX-155's). I wonder if in this arrangement if I'd lose my ability to track a VOR/ILS now that I have the GAD-29B installed?

Any other experiences to share?

...and just for your reading pleasure.

Dear Garmin Support:

I have a question regarding using the G5 stack STC for certified airplanes. I have a Piper Archer, PA-28-181 N8117U.
I am interested in total removal of my Vacuum system.

The Century 21 autopilot uses the DG and AH as inputs.
I am aware that the G5 HSI can interface with the Century 21 via the GAD 29 interface.
But what about the G5 AH? I am not finding anything in G5 documentation denoting that it will interface.
Does this mean that I will need to keep my vacuum AH in order for the Century 21 inputs to be satisfied?

Please advise,

Regards,
Michael Lupo

*** And their reply ****
Michael,

The G5 limitations section does touch on the equipment you will be required to retain. Reference section 2 Limitations. Cannot replace a primary attitude indicator that includes a flight director or is part of an autopilot system...

 

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[EchoDelta]

 

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