DFC90/DFC100 Digital Autopilot - Piper Senec V

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Piper Senec V - DFC90/100

Printed From: Avidyne
Category: Avidyne General
Forum Name: DFC90/DFC100 Digital Autopilot
Forum Description: Topics on the Avidyne DFC Digital Autopilots
URL: https://avidynelive.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1161
Printed Date: 26 Mar 2026 at 2:12pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.07 - https://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Piper Senec V - DFC90/100

Posted By: hmagbakk
Subject: Piper Senec V - DFC90/100
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2016 at 2:21am

Planning to buy a Piper Seneca V - 2007 With avidyne Entegra, Garmin GNS 430 (non WAAS) and S-Tec55x. I want to Upgrade the Avionic to fly Precision RNAV approaches (Europe) and I know that the S-tec55x might not be the best Choice.

Not sure what kind of solution I will choose, but Wonder if anybody here know if the DFC90 is approved/STC for the Seneca?

Also I need to find out if I should Upgrade GNS430 to WAAS or if I should spend some money changing it with Avidyne ifd 440/540 or Garmin GTN650/750??

I have a few houndred hours from Cirrus SR22T With Garmin G1000 which I am very satisfied to work with and the Garmin autopilot flies everything very well! Hoping to Upgrade the Senece V to something closer/easier to operate like the Cirrus, but of course don't like to spend too much Money. Spent some hours in the older Cirrus With Avidyne/gns430 few years ago as well.

Anybody With thoughts around this?

Thanks!

Replies:

Posted By: oskrypuch
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2016 at 3:43am

Not sure why you feel that the STEC 55x would not be up to the task. It is quite a capable A/P. Not a DFC90, but there is no STC for a Seneca for it.

Slipping in an IFD 440 into your current panel would transform it, and it is a very simple and low cost install, although you would have to upgrade the antenna to WAAS.

Given that you have the Entegra, you may not need much more "glass", but if you have the room, a 540 (or 540/440 pair) would be a step up, but would necessitate pulling the panel apart a bit.

* Orest

Posted By: hmagbakk
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2016 at 4:42am

Hi, and thanks Your reply. As far as I remember from the Cirrus With S-Tec55 is that it is not tracking the approaches in windy/gusty conditions and if you have too much speed, this is not really a problem With the modern autopilots which uses AHRS data as Reference. Maybe I am wrong, I will not do anything before start flying the Seneca, but like to check the possibilities in case I need to do the Upgrade.

Posted By: oskrypuch
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2016 at 6:21am

Attitude driven, versus roll driven A/Ps will indeed track somewhat more accurately in turbulence, but otherwise there is not a lot of difference. A common issue in tracking problems is worn out servos. I didn't think I had a problem with my servos, until one died, and I decided to overhaul all three. What a WORLD of difference that made.

* Orest