KFC 150
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Hello,
From a short research I've done it looks like the KAP 140 and KFC 150 are about equally common on Caravans.
In my opinion the KFC 150 has one big advantage: It can drive a Flight Director with makes IFR so much easier in my eyes.
(Note: your manual as well as some online sources say the KAP 140 can't drive a FD - I've seen some pictures of "similar looking" autopilots coupled to FD's)
I'd just like to ask what are your reasons for choosing the KAP 140 and if it is possible to get the 150 in the future.
Kind regards,
Jannik Stein -
My understanding is that the "KAP-" prefix denotes no flight director output, while the "KFC-" models do support FD's. As for why, I honestly don't recall the logic, as it was a decision made almost four years ago while developing the Analog Caravan. From today's standpoint, I must admit that I like to differentiate my aircraft with different capabilities and equipment whenever possible. Don't get me wrong. I don't want to make your experience any less enjoyable because of it! It's also difficult to make autopilot's hot-swapping like the rest of the avionics, since their configurations and behavior are defined at the configuration level for the aircraft. Does that make sense? I apologize if this diminishes your enjoyment of the Caravan. Certainly, if enough people want the flight director, I will explore the options.
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My understanding is that the "KAP-" prefix denotes no flight director output, while the "KFC-" models do support FD's. As for why, I honestly don't recall the logic, as it was a decision made almost four years ago while developing the Analog Caravan. From today's standpoint, I must admit that I like to differentiate my aircraft with different capabilities and equipment whenever possible. Don't get me wrong. I don't want to make your experience any less enjoyable because of it! It's also difficult to make autopilot's hot-swapping like the rest of the avionics, since their configurations and behavior are defined at the configuration level for the aircraft. Does that make sense? I apologize if this diminishes your enjoyment of the Caravan. Certainly, if enough people want the flight director, I will explore the options.
@Black-Square Thank you for the response.
I can definitely live without the FD, I'd just prefer to have it. To me it seems like the same effort to have each one (not swapping) so I just wanted to know why you didn't choose the more advanced one. Sure, having some variety is nice, but I still would prefer the more capable unit:) -
This is what shows on the product page. I guess it’s an issue so I wanted to inform you.
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Agh. Sorry that snuck through. I've fixed it across all my copy, but it will take a while to propagate. Thanks for letting me know.
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After a few flights in the Caravan I have to admit... please give us the KFC-150 instead. The KAP140 is... well... not a friend of mine. While the KFC-150 is a handy tool to reduce workload the KAP-140 seems to want me dead. From what I've read it's sim rendition also isn't all to realistic and it's a pain to use. I think the KFC-150 would be the better choice because:
1: It has a Flight Director which many users have requested and you wouldn't need any unrealistic option
2: It's more capable than the KAP-140 and easier to use
3: You already have one in the Baron which works like a charm
I hope you consider this as an option - I think it would be the best for everyone and I really can't imagine anyone missing the Kap-140 -
+1 from me as well
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The KFC150 in the Baron does not have altitude preselect.. I would be happy to keep the KAP140 once it has been cleaned up..
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Of course the KFC150 has altitude Preselect - on the KAS 297B Altitude Selector.
Or do you mean something different? -
OK, in that case it is no longer a one for one gauge replacement, which would make it more complicated..
To meet your needs, a KFC225 might be a better option.
Having said that, I do like the KFC150 in the Baron, and do not mind that the Caravan does not have a cookie cutter replica cockpit, but rather its own, quirky personality.
