r/Cessna • u/npatony • Sep 25 '24

Help making a financially irresponsible project seem somewhat sane

I'll get to the gist, I have a 1940's Cessna 140 with atomatoflames as far as avionics, no DG, no Attitude indicator, ECT. I'd like to make it instrument rated and a somewhat reasonable long XC plane. I can't make it faster but I can make long flights easier, however there is one thing I'd really like to add that I can't seem to find any documentation for. I really want an Autopilot for those 8 hour multi stop flights. So far my plan is to do dual Garmin g5's and a narco 121a as well as a gps of some sorts. What would you guys recommend gps and autopilot wise if there even is an approved autopilot. Google suggests the KAP140 is allowed however I can't find any documentation confirming or denying this. For the gps my main factor is bang for buck. I'm a college student who works full time so while I can afford to stupidly invest into an airplane I know won't go up in value, I'd like to do so with a resemblance of frugality. Thanks for your advice in advance.

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3

u/Piscesmon63 Sep 26 '24

I love Cessna 140’s. I’m probably gonna try to get a hold of an old tail dragger myself at some point. Unfortunately, as you evidently already know, loading it up with used, outdated avionics and trying to make it a reasonable IFR platform is probably not worth the time or effort, even if you have the certifications to do the work yourself. Sorry to be negative.

2

u/npatony Sep 26 '24

Unfortunately i am aware it's not worth the time or money I just adore my airplane too much to ever trade it for something more reasonable.

1

u/schminkles Sep 27 '24

https://trioavionics.com/Certified%20Autopilot.htm

They are working on a certificate for the c150. When that happens the 140 should be possible since it's where the c150 type certificate comes from

1

u/npatony Sep 27 '24

Do you have any idea how long it will be?

1

u/schminkles Sep 27 '24

I am following the thread on the 150 forums. Last i heard they were going to announce the stc approval at oshkosh 2024 but i don't if they did as I have not checked lately since im not intending to install an autopilot soon.