LevelWing

The G5s are an interesting idea. The G5s would require a new panel, but not the GI-275 as that should be a drop in replacement since it's the same size. I was steering, generally anyway, away from the G5s since they are a different size. Is it required as a backup to a 650xi? No, at this point it's time to upgrade to a GPS. That's an interesting idea as well. Will it still interface with a G3X or a GI-275 later on? I'm looking at long term upgrade/scalability options. I guess I haven't really thought about it, but how many navigational radios are standard in aircraft these days? I had two but that's because that's what came with it when I bought it. I suppose one navigational radio from the KX-155 would be sufficient as a backup in case I go somewhere that doesn't have a GPS approach or I need to shoot a VOR/LOC/ILS. I appreciate the offer, but I think I'm going to stick with the GPS route. It's a good excuse to step into the 21st century.

Yesterday morning when I went to pre-flight the plane, my old KNS-80 died. I let the smoke out. Given that it's old and I was looking for an excuse to put a GPS in to begin with, this might be a good time to do it. I'm looking for some options on an upgrade path that flow and make sense. Right now I'm not able to continue instrument training because I can only do a VOR or LOC approach. Thanks to @chriscalandro for all the help yesterday. I spent a while with Chris yesterday reviewing the options and what we came up with is below. I've also included a picture of my panel. This is a 1968 M20C model. I have a Garmin GDL-82 installed for ADS-B that connects to my KT-76a transponder. I called Sarasota Avionics who gave me a quote of around $18,000 for the Garmin 650xi plus a new CDI. Apparently the 650xi will only work with either the GI-206b or the new GI-275. Option 1: Garmin 650xi with (likely) a GI-275. This provides a solid platform and I can use the 275 as an HSI/CDI with the 650xi providing the navigation sources via either GPS or VOR/ILS/LOC. The downside is that if I install the GI-275 I'm basically heading down a path of installing more GI-275's since it wouldn't be worth it to then install a G3X or something because of the similar functionality, though there is a cost difference to consider. Option 2: Garmin 650xi with a G3X system. This eliminates the need for the GI-206b or the GI-275 and adds other functionality, like engine monitoring functions that I don't currently have. I am not limiting myself to Garmin options (and not just new products, either). Since I have a GDL-82, it kind of makes sense because they will all play nicely together. Will the GDL-82 play nicely with other products? The SkyView is a really nice looking setup. The only concern I have with it is the lack of auto pilot support, which isn't released yet. For those that have the Avidyne IFD 440, how do you like it now that you've had a chance to use it for a while? Thanks for your thoughts.

I'm thinking about holding off for the Garmin as well and just going with a complete Garmin system including a GTN-650 and ADS-B solutions. It should make it easier for everything to play nicely. I've got a little time before any of that happens so my thinking may change. Depending on the Garmin autopilot price, I'm also very interested in the TruTrak option. The difference between the Trio and TruTrak prices is enough for a lot of other work to be done.

Just donated again for this year. This site is absolutely worth it.

@Gunderbear post this about 6 weeks ago: Hopefully they're already testing this or will be shortly.

Central Texas isn't a bad option if the hangar price works. It's definitely an unfortunate situation with where I'm at now, but when I move back it won't be there again so I'm open to anywhere.

I'm looking at potentially moving my plane from my current airport to another one. Some of you know that I've had issues with it since we decided to have it painted and it's been down ever since due to surfaces not balancing (the project began in September, 2015 and it's still not done). On top of this, I recently moved and the geographical distance has led the mechanic to believe he can put this on the back burner. The whole, "out of sight, out of mind" type mentality. I'm looking to move the plane to a new location and I'm not overly picky as to where. I have a fully enclosed t-hangar which I pay roughly $100/mo for and I'm not sure I'm going to find that anywhere else. It's currently based at KELP. Generally speaking, I don't have a problem with where it's located. It's a dry climate, the hangar rent is cheap, and all of my t-hangar friends are great people who have been keeping an eye on the plane. Keeping the maintenance up is very hard since I'm not there and the mechanic isn't exactly in a hurry to get it done. Any recommendations anyone has for a new home would be appreciated. At this point I'm just exploring the idea. I'm also willing to let (certain) people fly the plane if it's near you so that it at least gets flown.

Awesome! Please keep us updated on how the progress goes.

I was referring to the customer service aspect (how customers are treated), not paying for services which we don't need nor want. I agree with you that we shouldn't be paying to maintain equipment that jets need and use.

With only one option for fuel and service at many locations, I would argue that a paying customer should be treated the same across the board. There may be perks for the corporate jets since they spend more, but I shouldn't be treated worse or differently because I'm coming in to buy 25 gallons instead of 500.

I know the feeling. It's been 2 years and one week since I last flew my plane. Hopefully I'll have an update today. Either way, it'll be months at a minimum before I can fly it again given that I moved recently.

Looks great! I look forward to reading about how your experiences are with it as you get a chance to test it out.

It looks like my plane still won't be ready, so I won't be able to make it this weekend. Enjoy.

I'd like to be added and get the link as well, please. Thanks for putting this together.

If the plane is up and weather cooperates, we'll try and swing through there.

Perhaps starting a new thread might generate more interest? The date on this thread has last Saturday. I should know by Wednesday if my plane will be back up. If it is, I'll swing by, weather permitting.

We had a great time yesterday. Thanks to Don for hosting! Looking forward to getting together again in the future. If this happens next weekend and we're in the area, we'll stop by again.

I got into Dallas this evening so I'll be there tomorrow morning. Looking forward to seeing others!

The weather forecast continues to improve, which is a good sign. Whether or not I'm there in the plane is another story.

I will likely be in the Dallas area this weekend regardless so I'll still show up.

It's looking good for me to fly up there this weekend. I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks for setting this up. Like Paul, I'm now hoping that the plane is up and ready to go by then.

Thanks. It sounds like this should be pretty easy to get into. Now to hope the plane is ready by then.

I've never been to Redbird (or any Dallas area airport, for that matter), any tips on getting in without issues? I've read some here say flying under the bravo shouldn't be an issue. If that's the case, sounds like it'll be easy. I'll be VFR.

I voted for Redbird as well, but I also don't care where it's at as long as I have a plane by then. Saturdays work best for me.