Innovative Aerosystems has acquired the S-TEC Model 3100 autopilot product line from Moog. If you operate an aircraft fitted with an S-TEC 3100 — or you have been considering one — here is what the change means for you, and what stays the same.
What happened
Earlier this month, Innovative Aerosystems (headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania) completed the acquisition of the S-TEC 3100 autopilot product line, assuming full responsibility for sales, support, technical documentation, and product fulfilment. Moog, the previous owner, is no longer involved in the product line.
Innovative Aerosystems is not a newcomer. The company has more than 35 years of avionics engineering and certification experience across fixed-wing and rotorcraft platforms, with a US-based manufacturing and FAA certification operation. They have explicitly committed to continued investment in the S-TEC 3100 product, including new STCs.
What this means for owners with an S-TEC 3100 already installed
For most operators, day-to-day life does not change. Technical support and repairs on S-TEC 3100 systems continue through Aeronautical Aviation as your local authorised dealer. Contact us first — we manage the relationship with Innovative Aerosystems on your behalf and will coordinate any repair, warranty, or AOG situation from there.
Existing warranties and service commitments carry over under the new ownership. If you have an outstanding repair or open support case, get in touch with us and we will confirm its status with Innovative Aerosystems directly.
What this means if you are considering an S-TEC 3100 installation
Pricing is stable. Innovative Aerosystems has confirmed that all 2026 dealer prices are honoured through 30 September 2026. If you have been holding off on an autopilot installation, the ownership change is not a reason to wait — if anything, it is a reason to move before end-September while pricing is locked.
The product line itself is not going anywhere. The S-TEC 3100 remains available, supported, and backed by an engineering organisation that has explicitly committed to growing its STC coverage.
A note on ownership changes in avionics
Consolidation in the avionics industry is not unusual — Garmin, Collins Aerospace, and Innovative Aerosystems itself have all grown partly through acquisition. What matters for an aircraft owner is not who owns the product line, but whether support continues and the technology roadmap stays alive. On both counts, the picture here is clear.
The S-TEC 3100 has an established installed base and a broad STC coverage across a wide range of piston and turbine aircraft types. That does not disappear with an ownership change — it becomes the foundation the new owner builds on.
S-TEC 3100 at Aeronautical Aviation
We are an authorised S-TEC 3100 dealer and install autopilots across piston singles, twins, and turbine aircraft from our SACAA-approved AMO at Lanseria International Airport. Our CEO, Clinton Carroll, is an aircraft owner and pilot — every autopilot installation includes a personal familiarisation flight on the new system, on the ground and in the air. You leave understanding your autopilot, not just signed off on it.
If you would like a quotation for an S-TEC 3100 installation on your aircraft, contact us with your registration and a short note on your current panel. We will have a tailored quotation and a provisional installation slot back to you within two working days.
Or contact the team directly at sales@aeronautical.co.za or +27 11 659 1033.
Source: Dealer communication from Innovative Aerosystems, 15 June 2026. Aeronautical Aviation (Pty) Ltd is based at Hangar 202, Gate 7, Lanseria International Airport. SACAA AMO No. 1033. Garmin Platinum dealer and the largest accredited distributor of Garmin in Africa. The only certified Dynon dealer in South Africa. Clinton Carroll is a qualified pilot and the founder and CEO of Aeronautical Aviation.
