The packaging was ideal. We were fast running out of radio rack space but had an open 3-inch hole in the main panel. Unfortunately, the preapproval status of the autopilot meant that, despite its using the same servos and basic computer as the Century 2000, we couldn t so much as install the servos. Nor could we activate the electric pitch trim that s part of the system. We did manage to lay in the main wiring loom for the autopilot and mount the servo brackets.
Century expects certification in the third quarter of the year.
Otherwise, the installation was remarkably straightforward. PCA s guys had the most difficulty installing the capacitance fuel probes because you have to unseal several inspection panels in the Mooney s integral fuel tanks. That becomes a tremendous amount of effort, with the ever-present chance that you ll have to reseal something after the fact. With the Millennium Mooney, we decided to jump on the large-screen bandwagon in a big way. It s truly a multipurpose player, maintaining in its database a collection of sectional-style VFR charts and IFR en route maps.