My visit with Aspen

[PTK]

I wonder what's worse: a vacuum failure or an Aspen malfunctioning and going blank, in IMC or on an approach down to mins. I have no experience with either so I'm looking for some insight.

[thinwing]

I think if either failure has not been well practiced...it wouldbe bad thing to happen on approach in low Imc...a huge distraction but at least the big red x S are obvious ...not like a slowly leaning over ai...kpc

[John Pleisse]

I have an Stec 55x, GPSS, Aspen 2000 dual adahars with an additional 1 hour battery and 4 of my 6 steam guages remaining. Either would be a non event. Point being, leave some steam.

[Toflyordie]

Mazer,

Thanks for sharing!  Was your issues minor, did it effect your flight?

 What GPS units are compatiable with Aspen?  Is Garmin one of them?

I see that the "name game" still holds true...once a chevy always a chevy...  I use Garmin, the name is known, but I like what Aspen has to offer.  Albeit a cheaper price as well!  Bonus!

 

[David Mazer]

The problems were only minor since they happened on the ground and they were immediately fixed.  Both screens, installed at different times, had an early demise and needed to be replaced.  Neither last 3 months.  No problem, no questions, just replaced immediately.

I can't answer which GPS devices feed the Aspens.  I can tell you that Aspen claims to have a backup GPS built in but there is no way to enter waypoints other than through your GPS unit.  So, if you have programed your route, including the approach, and ATC doesn't change anything, you will have a GPS if your 430 or 530 or whatever dies.  If anything changes, and always does, the backup GPS becomes only a moving map.

[John Pleisse]

Quote: Mazerbase

I can't answer which GPS devices feed the Aspens.  I can tell you that Aspen claims to have a backup GPS built in but there is no way to enter waypoints other than through your GPS unit. 

[mikefox]

For what it is worth, we went with the G500 because the screens are easier to read and the MFD is front and center.  Also, the Garmin AHARS and FDC are bulletproof, with millions of hours of operation.  

If I were looking to do a minor upgrade (not a completely new panel) I might opt for the Aspen - great equipment.  I teach on both, and prefer the Garmin presentation, but that is just me.