Promo: Santa Fe Aero Aspen Install

[rocketman]

Yes. It is being re-weighed because I am a stickler on performance numbers, weights and balance, and avionics. And the re-weight figure is only $300. I'll let you know if the available weights improve or decrease. 

[OR75]

I consider the GTN / GTS as an absolutly NOT necessary upgrade if you already have a GNS in the panel (as I do). The upgrade is not justified considering it requires re-wiring.

[rocketman]

I absolutely agree with the gentleman from Portland. My plane unfortunately had no wired GPS. NADA. Not a GNS 430 or 530. Not even the early King GPS. My option was wither an outdated 530W for a few thousand less for obsolescence or spending a bit more for future value on a GTN 750. In the long run, new tech will be the winner.

[ionel]

Quote: fantom

My bank account can't handle this....please stop posting pictures ;-)

[jetdriven]

Where did you get the RPMx1 guage?

 

[ionel]

Quote: jetdriven

Where did you get the RPMx1 guage?

 

[jetdriven]

do you have an idea what brand or model it is? I have seen one other and I would like one.

[ionel]

Quote: jetdriven

do you have an idea what brand or model it is? I have seen one other and I would like one.

[Cruiser]

Here is a couple of poor images of my install completed last month. I am still getting comfortable using and understanding all the new displays. All I can say is awesome. Approach scan is simple and clear. I do kinda miss the VSI but I will get use to it. The map features can be as full or as sparse as you want and are changed at a push of a button making it easy to adjust for different segments of the flight.

The sonalert is a welcome addition, notifying of reaching a pre selected altitiude and the MIN function will beep at the entered approach altitude helping to assure you don't forget what it is. I always triple checked the MDA/DA on the IAPs and now I can just look at the display and see it there. This is really nice.

Lapeer Aviation did an excellent job on the install. Ron is as thorough and careful as anyone could be, If you want a great job at a better than fair price you should try them.

[zaitcev]

Quote: Cruiser

I do kinda miss the VSI but I will get use to it.

[jelswick]

I think it's just getting used to it.  The VSI is definitely there, but I kept my mechanical one and while the Aspen was an easy transition, I still look to the VSI one because it seems easier to in hardly a glance to recognize the rate vs the tape.  Still love the Aspens though.  And Cruiser, your new panel looks great!  The MFD is showing you flying in the same neck of the woods I was practicing approaches weekend before last (Cedar Point, KPCW, Put in Bay area).  Good stuff!

On the Sonalert, was that an Aspen feature or something else you added?  I don't think I'm getting a beep at min or reaching cruising altitude, so just curious in case it's an install thing I need to check on mine or maybe user error where the user needs to learn how to turn up the volume for it.

[Cruiser]

Just for clarity, I know the Aspen displays VSI on the lower right side of the PFD, see my latest picture I posted, it is reading 0 FPM above the tape. I just like the pointer gage and have not gotten use to the vertital tape yet but I will. The Aspen is great.

I just finished entering the airspeed values for display of Va, Vx, Vy, Vle etc. they show on the display but are not cluttered and it is a nice feature to have these always available. Of course they can be turned on or off as desired.

The sonalert is an Aspen optional feature (required for Aspen’s new synthetic vision) that can be added to the PFD. It sounds a beep for a pre-selected altitude (see 4.2.3.3 in the pilot guide) and three beeps for MIN (see page 4.20). I had it mounted under the instrument panel but I could not hear the sound. When we moved it out to the edge of the panel near the center console and pointed into the cabin area it is loud and clear. Very inexpensive option and a great feature.

See sonalert here:  http://www.alliedelec.com/search/productdetail.aspx?SKU=70186619

I really like the Aspen display for IFR flight. The scan is just look at the PFD, all the flight information is there in one screen. Enter the airspeed bug, preselect your altitude and set the MIN altitude. Load the approach plate on the MFD and you have everything you need in one place. Aspen has done a great job in providing additional features that aid in the safety of flight.

Oh, did I mention GPSS steering? I flew an A/P coupled LPV approach and all I had to do was lower the gear and pull the power back. We were on glidepath and on course all the way to the runway. Did I mention that the Aspen is great?

Jim, next time you come up this way give me a call, I will buy lunch.