Intercontinental Jet Service Corp. successfully completed the first Garmin G600, GNS 650/750 installation in a MU-2 with an auto altitude hold function utilizing the Bendix M4D autopilot system. This avionics package was installed in MU-2B-26A, SN319. The aircraft is owned and operated by Chris Saxton of Pace Inc. based in Flint, Michigan.
“One of the most frequent requests IJSC receives is for the installation of a new autopilot system that would provide, among other things, an “altitude pre-select” function, for aircraft presently operating with the Bendix M4D autopilot system” notes Director of Operations, Mark James. Since the new autopilot system is not available yet, a decision was made to provide operators an auto altitude hold function on their existing Bendix autopilot system.
To utilize this auto hold function, the aircraft must be equipped with the Garmin G600 and some form of Garmin Nav capability. The system installed in this airplane worked flawlessly during ground testing. During flight test the pilot set the desired altitude on the G600. When the airplane reached the desired altitude, the M4D altitude hold function automatically engaged.
“This installation and the altitude hold mod exceeded our expectations” said IJSC Avionics Manager, Michael Bilby. “In addition to the overall aesthetics of the installation and the success of the altitude hold function, we were able to reduce the aircraft empty weight by more than 250 pounds by removing unused wiring, equipment and racks.”
“The next scheduled IJSC avionics installation is the same G600, GNS 650/750 combination on a Sperry equipped MU-2B-60. We will be attempting to enhance the operation of the Sperry autopilot system also” said Mark James.
Intercontinental Jet Service Corporation (IJSC), located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a factory owned MU-2 Service Center, a subsidiary of MHIA. IJSC provides aircraft service and repair on turboprop and light jet aircraft. They also provide major avionics upgrades and Major Level TPE331 service, authorized by Honeywell. MHIA’s Aircraft Product Support Division provides ongoing support including parts, publications, service engineering, etc. for more than 300 MU-2 aircraft operating in North America.
