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:)
