mike_elliott Posted January 21, 2016 Report Share Posted January 21, 2016 I calibrated the Aspen AOA today in the Bravo, and was pleasantly surprised. I thought it might be a bit cumbersome to look down at the Aspen to see it, but found it was second nature, as I normally check my MK1 sphincter Airspeed indicator with the Aspen at various stages of landing anyway. I really like the idea of it giving BOTH conditions of flaps and no flaps AOA, where others do not take this into account, only relative wind. Calibrating it was a fun exercise demanding precision flying at specific speeds, maintaining 1% tolerance on pitch and altitude, speed and bank. The Aspen had to be programmed to its weight when it is being calibrated, and it had to know a few other parameters from the POH. Bottom line is that it is a piece of cake to accurately set up, you just have to be on your game and pick a day without a lot of turbulence. An autopilot cannot hold these parameters this precisely. While I don't have a lot of time (only one landing with it so far, as my time was limited today), what I saw I felt very positive about. I am going to do the post calibration check flights in various flight conditions soon, such as accelerated stalls, etc. These are not required, but I want to know that what I am reading is dead nuts accurate for this tool. Installation was a simple unlock key and making sure the Aspen had the latest firmware on it. No wires, no thingamajigs hanging off the wing, no weird light podium to figure out where in the line of site to place. here is flying Phil doing a video of it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8TJDG0eCXE Peter, you would be drooling all over it if it said Garmin 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder Posted January 21, 2016 Report Share Posted January 21, 2016 23 minutes ago, mike_elliott said: I calibrated the Aspen AOA today in the Bravo, and was pleasantly surprised. I thought it might be a bit cumbersome to look down at the Aspen to see it, but found it was second nature, as I normally check my MK1 sphincter Airspeed indicator with the Aspen at various stages of landing anyway. I really like the idea of it giving BOTH conditions of flaps and no flaps AOA, where others do not take this into account, only relative wind. Calibrating it was a fun exercise demanding precision flying at specific speeds, maintaining 1% tolerance on pitch and altitude, speed and bank. The Aspen had to be programmed to its weight when it is being calibrated, and it had to know a few other parameters from the POH. Bottom line is that it is a piece of cake to accurately set up, you just have to be on your game and pick a day without a lot of turbulence. An autopilot cannot hold these parameters this precisely. While I don't have a lot of time (only one landing with it so far, as my time was limited today), what I saw I felt very positive about. I am going to do the post calibration check flights in various flight conditions soon, such as accelerated stalls, etc. These are not required, but I want to know that what I am reading is dead nuts accurate for this tool. Installation was a simple unlock key and making sure the Aspen had the latest firmware on it. No wires, no thingamajigs hanging off the wing, no weird light podium to figure out where in the line of site to place. here is flying Phil doing a video of it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8TJDG0eCXE Peter, you would be drooling all over it if it said Garmin The only thing wrong with Phil's video is that he is in a Beechcraft! What is funny is that the next video that pops ip after Phil's is one of mine on the Aspen PFD. I think I should contact Aspen and see if they would buy it. Mike -- do you know what the software buys you. Phil had the AoA showing on the MFD 500 to the left of the PFD and on the PFD itself. Do you know if you need to buy multiple licenses for the different units? I'm with you on the AoA location on the PFD. I do look at the airspeed enough to see why this location makes sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike_elliott Posted January 21, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2016 1 minute ago, Marauder said: The only thing wrong with Phil's video is that he is in a Beechcraft! What is funny is that the next video that pops ip after Phil's is one of mine on the Aspen PFD. I think I should contact Aspen and see if they would buy it. Mike -- do you know what the software buys you. Phil had the AoA showing on the MFD 500 to the left of the PFD and on the PFD itself. Do you know if you need to buy multiple licenses for the different units? I'm with you on the AoA location on the PFD. I do look at the airspeed enough to see why this location makes sense. I don't know, Chris. Call you favorite Aspen dealer, he may have a "deal" on this. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder Posted January 21, 2016 Report Share Posted January 21, 2016 1 minute ago, mike_elliott said: I don't know, Chris. Call you favorite Aspen dealer, he may have a "deal" on this. Do you know if there are any "deals" in the works for this? I know I got a good deal on my Aspens, wonder if they are extending it to the other stuff they sell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike_elliott Posted January 21, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2016 Bet they do at SunNFun 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinw Posted January 21, 2016 Report Share Posted January 21, 2016 I bought the Aspen AOA also and been very happy with it. I too was unsure how cumbersome it would be and if so how much I would use it but I have to say I'm mentally trained to use it on both takeoff and landing; more so on takeoff and especially in IFR. I tend to watch both the AOA and airspeed simultaneously as they're on the same display. I have only one Aspen but it's my understanding one license covers a dual screen setup. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder Posted January 21, 2016 Report Share Posted January 21, 2016 I bought the Aspen AOA also and been very happy with it. I too was unsure how cumbersome it would be and if so how much I would use it but I have to say I'm mentally trained to use it on both takeoff and landing; more so on takeoff and especially in IFR. I tend to watch both the AOA and airspeed simultaneously as they're on the same display. I have only one Aspen but it's my understanding one license covers a dual screen setup. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Good stuff, thanks for sharing. I bought the AOA that we group purchased here but if the price of the Aspen was reasonable, I would be game to add it. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LANCECASPER Posted January 21, 2016 Report Share Posted January 21, 2016 (edited) On 1/21/2016 at 7:43 PM, kevinw said: I bought the Aspen AOA also and been very happy with it. I too was unsure how cumbersome it would be and if so how much I would use it but I have to say I'm mentally trained to use it on both takeoff and landing; more so on takeoff and especially in IFR. I tend to watch both the AOA and airspeed simultaneously as they're on the same display. I have only one Aspen but it's my understanding one license covers a dual screen setup. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk That is correct! At least that's what they said at Oshkosh last July. Edited February 2, 2016 by LANCECASPER 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carusoam Posted January 21, 2016 Report Share Posted January 21, 2016 Did they say how they measure the AOA? It was pretty clear what they don't use. Best regards, -a- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fly By Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 I've seen the Aspen AoA in action, and it is a game changer for Mooneys! They do require separate licenses on all units, but the 2nd and 3rd are much less than the initial unit. It's nice to have it on at least one MFD since the display is much larger than on the PFD. Has anyone else had any experience with the Garmin or Alpha AoA in a Mooney? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carusoam Posted February 1, 2016 Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 There are a few threads including installation and set-up variations of various AOA devices. Searching on AOA may be challenging because of the brevity of the word. Searching with the word Garmin retrieves too many responses. Its in there somewhere...(I tried) Best regards, -a- 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike_elliott Posted February 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2016 One thing the aspen AOA has all over the others hands down is the simplicity of installation and calibration. This cost savings needs to be considered if evaluating the 2. I am curious why Garmin hasn't announced theirs yet. They have an AOA on the G3 stuff it seems. Peter? any words of Garmarketing to share? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyboy0681 Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Looks like Phil is living the dream. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Since we are talking Aspen, has anyone had experience with the unlock codes for the software. I was going through my PFD manual and noticed that the PFD was able to display the WX-500 StormScope data on the PFD. I sent Aspen an email on how this is done and was told that it was a simple wiring between the MFD and the PFD but the unlock code was $895! They went on to say the Aspen MFD has all of the unlocks but the PFD does not. Does anyone have a WX-500 display on the PFD and if you bought the unlock code, does it give you the capability to display other things like weather and traffic from ADS-B. I don't mind spending the $895 if it unlocks all of the features. But if it is an unlock for each function, then it looks like Aspen is taking a page out of Garmin's playbook. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Just an update on the unlock code situation. I received a reply back on the code. The unlock code that will unlock the WX-500 on the PFD will also unlock TIS-A (like from an ES transponder), TAS and XM weather. ADS-B TIS-B and FIS-B is a separate unlock code. The good news is the MFD is unlocked for everything. So if you got one, everything can be displayed. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtVandelay Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Just an update on the unlock code situation. I received a reply back on the code. The unlock code that will unlock the WX-500 on the PFD will also unlock TIS-A (like from an ES transponder), TAS and XM weather. ADS-B TIS-B and FIS-B is a separate unlock code. The good news is the MFD is unlocked for everything. So if you got one, everything can be displayed. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk I thought the AOA was 2 AMUs, did they mention that? Does MFD come with all unlock codes including AOA? If you have a MFD then you have subscription costs, yes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 Just an update on the unlock code situation. I received a reply back on the code. The unlock code that will unlock the WX-500 on the PFD will also unlock TIS-A (like from an ES transponder), TAS and XM weather. ADS-B TIS-B and FIS-B is a separate unlock code. The good news is the MFD is unlocked for everything. So if you got one, everything can be displayed. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk I thought the AOA was 2 AMUs, did they mention that? Does MFD come with all unlock codes including AOA? If you have a MFD then you have subscription costs, yes? Hello -- I have an Aspen 2000 system and am interested in the AoA system. Is there a cost to have it display on both units? ___________________________________________________________ Chris – AOA pricing for the PRO1000 is $1,995.00 (not including install which will take 2-4 hour to complete). AOA for both displays is $2,790.00 (not including install which will take 4 – 6 hours total for both displays) Thank you for your interest in Aspen Avionics Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob_Belville Posted February 2, 2016 Report Share Posted February 2, 2016 45 minutes ago, Marauder said: Hello -- I have an Aspen 2000 system and am interested in the AoA system. Is there a cost to have it display on both units? ___________________________________________________________ Chris – AOA pricing for the PRO1000 is $1,995.00 (not including install which will take 2-4 hour to complete). AOA for both displays is $2,790.00 (not including install which will take 4 – 6 hours total for both displays) Thank you for your interest in Aspen Avionics Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Wow, my CYA stand alone AOA cost me $625 from ASpruce plus $300 to install. calibration is a trivial exercise and can be redone as many times as needed. I put the display high in the panel right in front of the pilot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinw Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 8 hours ago, Marauder said: Hello -- I have an Aspen 2000 system and am interested in the AoA system. Is there a cost to have it display on both units? ___________________________________________________________ Chris – AOA pricing for the PRO1000 is $1,995.00 (not including install which will take 2-4 hour to complete). AOA for both displays is $2,790.00 (not including install which will take 4 – 6 hours total for both displays) Thank you for your interest in Aspen Avionics Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk If memory serves, my guy charged me one hour of labor. He told me that's essentially in-flight calibration. There really is no work involved which is what makes the Aspen AOA so attractive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donkaye Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 On February 1, 2016 at 10:00 AM, Fly By said: I've seen the Aspen AoA in action, and it is a game changer for Mooneys! They do require separate licenses on all units, but the 2nd and 3rd are much less than the initial unit. It's nice to have it on at least one MFD since the display is much larger than on the PFD. Has anyone else had any experience with the Garmin or Alpha AoA in a Mooney? I have flown with the Aspen AOA, but since I don't have the manual on it would be interested in anyone telling me how to fly a stabilized approach with it. What is the indication for 1.3 Vso. I personally think that you need a magnifying glass to be able to read it on the PFD. It's large enough on the MFD, but has no indication how to fly Vx, Vy, Vglide, 1.3 Iso, 1.2Vso. Would someone enlighten to as how to do that? I have the Alpha Systems AOA and love it. It easily gives direct indications of the above mentioned speeds and is easily readable. I use it on all landings, as there are no calculations involved as to weight, CG position, Density Altitude. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 13 hours ago, teejayevans said: 15 hours ago, Marauder said: Just an update on the unlock code situation. I received a reply back on the code. The unlock code that will unlock the WX-500 on the PFD will also unlock TIS-A (like from an ES transponder), TAS and XM weather. ADS-B TIS-B and FIS-B is a separate unlock code. The good news is the MFD is unlocked for everything. So if you got one, everything can be displayed. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk I thought the AOA was 2 AMUs, did they mention that? Does MFD come with all unlock codes including AOA? If you have a MFD then you have subscription costs, yes? The MFD is completely unlocked for all add-ons. That means you can display the AOA on it, but you still need to buy the software upgrade.I also found out if I use the MFD in reversion mode, all functions available on the MFD are retained. So if you have the MFD acting as the PFD in reversion, the StormScope data will displayed on the HSI. Another decent redundancy. It isn't as important to me since my GTN also displays the WX-500 StormScope data. There are no mandatory databases required for the MFD. You can purchase a Jepp Nav database which keeps all of the airport and Nav aid information current. You can also buy a chart service from Seattle Avionics for a good price. They are not very well advertised capabilities but I can place the cursor of the MFD on an airport and pull up all of the information available for it by selecting one of the menu buttons on the side. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike_elliott Posted February 3, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 13 hours ago, donkaye said: I have the Alpha Systems AOA and love it. It easily gives direct indications of the above mentioned speeds and is easily readable. I use it on all landings, as there are no calculations involved as to weight, CG position, Density Altitude. how does it know what your flap setting is, Don? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike_elliott Posted February 3, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 6 hours seems a bit high for a simple unlock key to be put into the PFD, Chris. Maybe it is more involved for the MFD to interface with the PFD, but I doubt it is much. It took my avionics guy about 1/2 hour to do all that he needed to do and me about 1 hour to do the calibration and post calibration check flights. As far as it being too small to read, that was a fear of mine, but anyone that can pass a 3rd class medical eye exam wont have any trouble seeing, interpreting and understanding it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder Posted February 3, 2016 Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 6 hours seems a bit high for a simple unlock key to be put into the PFD, Chris. Maybe it is more involved for the MFD to interface with the PFD, but I doubt it is much. It took my avionics guy about 1/2 hour to do all that he needed to do and me about 1 hour to do the calibration and post calibration check flights. As far as it being too small to read, that was a fear of mine, but anyone that can pass a 3rd class medical eye exam wont have any trouble seeing, interpreting and understanding it. Aspen explained that there is some wiring involved and perhaps they are setting expectations high for a pleasant surprise. I'm glad to hear an actual PIREP on it. I have never found any of the information displayed on either unit to be too small to read. The display is bright and back lighted. Post some pictures of it if you can. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike_elliott Posted February 3, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2016 I might be able to Friday when I head to Key Marathon. I made a commitment last Mooney Summit to put the cell phone away when I get within 10 feet of the plane, so I might have my pax take one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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