Hi.
I’m a Johannesburg, South Africa based pilot - looking hard at an ‘81 M20J.
Thing is, it’s got only the basics in the panel... GNC250XL GPS/Comm, Century21 A/P and the basic AH/DI. It does have a JPI 800 engine monitor which is a plus.
However, I want to use the aircraft for IFR eventually and as it stands now with only a single axis A/P it is not certifiable for single pilot IFR in South Africa.
Anyone done an avionics upgrade on these birds? What would my best and most cost effective option be to upgrade (and get rid of the vacuum devil)?
I’d say that the G500 is out of my price range and likewise the Garmin GTN options.
I’m happy with the old 250XL GPS as I’d use Garmin Pilot or Foreflight on an ipad but for the autopilot/AH?
Aspen? 2x G5? Coupled with an Stec 55X autopilot?
Any thoughts?
I will add that the other aircraft I’m looking at is a PA28–236 Dakota which has an Stec55 AP and a Garmin 430 NAv/Com but it is USD12500 more expensive..
Any advice would be much appreciated for a wannabe Mooniac...
