Hello Andy,
We appreciate that everyone has to decide what is important to them, but we want to make sure that you realize that we have a new rack that makes it easy to mount the GMC 507 (or GMC 307) in the radio stack in case that is an option for you in that big RV-6 panel. Once the rack is installed, the two pawl latches make it simple to install/remove the GMC 307/507.
We also encourage you to think about the ergonomics of using your autopilot. There is simply no better autopilot user interface than the G5 with GMC 507. Autopilot lateral and vertical modes, and even a flight director that is usable both with and without the autopilot engaged, are conveniently displayed on the G5.
To review the operation of this autopilot, let's fly to Oshkosh and see how simple and efficient it is to operate the G5 based autopilot with the GMC 507. For this flight, we will use the Aera 660 as the navigator for the autopilot.
Before departing, we put a flight plan including RIPON to FISKE arrival into the Aera 660.
Next, we will setup VNAV to automatically descend the aircraft to 1,800 ft MSL by 3 nm before RIPON for the published VFR arrival.
One last step is to enter our enroute cruise altitude into the G5. We use the ALT SEL knob on the GMC 507 to do this since it is tightly integrated with the G5. The works all done, so let's depart and enjoy the many features of this easy to use autopilot.
After taking off, we turn the plane on course as shown on the HSI and establish our climb. At this point we simply push the AP button to engage the autopilot in ROL (lateral) and PIT (vertical) modes, and let go of the stick. Nothing moves as we smoothly continue our climb straight ahead with the autopilot engaged.
The autopilot automatically arms to capture the selected altitude (9500').
Next, push the NAV button on the GMC 507 to couple the autopilot laterally to the flight plan in the Aera 660.
While using pitch mode in the climb, you can use the large, convenient pitch wheel to change pitch. Roll the wheel forward to lower the nose and roll the wheel down to raise the nose. All of the large buttons, knobs, and wheel on the GMC 507 are easy to use, even with light gloves.
There are many autopilot options to use in the climb. If you want to switch from pitch mode to vertical speed mode, just push the VS button. The autopilot will capture the current vertical speed, then you use the pitch wheel to increase or decrease the vertical speed and the vertical speed in use is "bugged" on the G5 and displayed numerically in the autopilot status bar on the G5.
As you climb in altitude and airspeed drops as you maintain selected pitch or vertical speed, you can press one button (IAS) to switch to airspeed hold mode to protect your airspeed in the climb. Selected airspeed is "bugged" on the airspeed tape on the G5, and also changed with the pitch wheel on the GMC 507.
Let's say you encounter some scattered clouds in the climb and want to deviate around them and return to the course line. Just push the HDG/TRK knob to sync selected HDG/TRK to current HDG/TRK, then push the TRK (or HDG) button and use the HDG/TRK knob to steer the aircraft around the clouds. When you are clear, just push the NAV button to automatically return to the course line.
Alternatively, you can push the AP button to disengage the the autopilot while leaving the flight director setup in the selected lateral and vertical modes, hand fly the aircraft around the clouds, then simply press one button (AP) to re-engage the autopilot and return to flying the previous lateral/vertical modes.
Once you reach the 9500' selected altitude, the autopilot will automatically capture this altitude and enter altitude hold mode.
Once you are established in level cruise, you can arm for VNAV capture. Again, just push one button (VNAV) and you are all set to automatically descend at your selected descent rate to the 1800' altitude required at RIPON. You can even select the "Time To VNAV" field as one of the 8 continuously displayed fields on the Aera 660 as a reminder how much longer you will remain at cruise altitude before beginning the descent.
I could go on longer, but you get the idea. Let us know if you have questions.
Thanks,
Steve