Meggitt Cessna 441 Users' Page

"New" icon.5/9/05 -- We have been advised by Meggitt/S-Tec that both the FAA and the CAA have approved the ADAHRS units for use under RVSM rules.  This brings us much closer to having the 441 aircraft (and others) operating under RVSM.  The Meggitt representative told us that our aircraft can be modified for RVSM in about half a day.  While we find this a bit optimistic we are very happy with this news.  Left unsaid but soon to be answered are issues of pricing.

"New" icon.5/8/05 -- We have been contacted by a Commander 1000 user about adding coverage of their issues and comments to this web site and the mailing list.  We are happy to do so.  We expect some initial content from this group in the next few days and will post it when it is received.

We have created a Users' Group for users of the Meggitt Avionics MAGIC® 2100 autopilot and related EFIS and EIDS systems, as well as mechanics and technicians responsible for maintenance of these systems.  We operate Cessna 441-0122 N441M which has the second Conquest II installation of the full Meggitt suite.  These modern systems offer tremendous versatility but more importantly they use digital computer technology and are therefore controlled by programs.  This means that the programs can be upgraded in the future to offer new features or improve upon existing capabilities.  A Users' Group is an ideal way in which to offer constructive input to Meggitt management on the future of these products and their support.

The N441M installation is featured here.

A standard internet list server has been set up for such users.  Membership is controlled.  Any user of the equipment as well as representatives of any dealer, Meggitt or S-TEC will be approved upon proper application.  Others will be asked to demonstrate that they meet the membership criteria above.  To subscribe to the list server, click here.

Meggitt has updated the 441 PFD and ND display units to incorporate features recommended by users.  The changes include: Meggitt has issued a mandatory service bulletin SB05-003 for the autopilot computer installations in the Cessna 441.  This corrects problems with localizer front-course and back-course tracking, excessive FD lag times,  allows  glide-slope capture without altitude hold, and other changes.  It removes the bug that caused the yaw damper to disconnect when electric trim is actuated.  The full text of the SB is here.

Much of the RVSM airwork appears to have been completed by WestStar and they expect to begin installations in July, 2005.  This may involve minor static system and airframe changes probably based on aircraft serial number as well as Meggitt installing error corrections in the ADAHRS for each aircraft.  There are no further details currently available nor is the process to put all of this together entirely clear.  The chief delay at this point appears to be waiting for Meggitt action regarding pricing for their installations.  One thing appears certain:  441 aircraft will be certified with the Boundary Layer Research vortex generators installed.  This will increase the cost of the installation for those not already using the modification by approximately $10,000.  This was an unfortunate choice by WestStar that we do not support.  The modification does not improve aircraft performance and, in fact, increases stall speeds.  The only advantage is an small increase in maximum weights.

For further information regarding the group or any general questions, click here.

Mike Mellinger
Davandy, LLC
St. Louis, MO May 8, 2005