Lance Link Posted February 14, 2021 Report Posted February 14, 2021 We are trying to decide what upgrade work to do now, hoping to stay within a budget of about 40 AMUs, can go higher if we twist our own arms. The primary decision is whether to emphasize an added GPS (and if so which one), or go with a GFC 500. As background, two of us are doing IFR training now, and additionally we don't know when we might be able to pour more money into the plane. We will probably have to live with this decision for a couple of years. None of us do or will do a lot of extensive IFR flying. The relevant list of equipment we have now is: 430W, KX 155 (ID inop and the diodes get blinky sometimes), KFC 150 that works fine (no altitude preselect), CDI, Castleberry, ES 330 with ADS-B out, GDL 52R for two Aera 660s for ADS-B in, JPI 830, WX 1000, GMA 345. Alternatives in the running are: (Prices are educated estimates) Dual GI275s, with GFC 500: About 36k (AP over the GPS) Dual GI275s, with a GTN 650Xi: About 36k (GPS over the AP) Or, ways to get both the GPS and the AP, but either sacrificing on flight instruments and/or the GPS, and/or stretching the budget: Dual G5s, with a GPS 175 or GNC 355, and a GFC 500: About 40k -42k: (Both the GPS and the AP, close to within budget, not the best equipment). Dual GI275s, with a GPS 175 or GNC 355, and a GFC 500: About 44k -46k: (We blow the budget but I suspect the GI275s will be worth the extra cost here). Dual G5s, with a GTN 650Xi, and a GFC 500: About 48k Dual G275s, with a GTN 650Xi and a GFC 500: About 52k I realize the correct answer to the question is how much do we really want to spend, and buy the best if you can stomach the price. But I guess the real questions boil down to: Should we really consider buying G5s in lieu of GI275s to save money, or is that too penny wise and pound foolish, and, is considering the GPS 175 or GNC 355 over the 650Xi too much of a compromise? I am not sure I get the value of the advantages of the GTN 650XI, but then that's probably because I don't know enough about them. Any thoughts will be appreciated!
Niko182 Posted February 14, 2021 Report Posted February 14, 2021 I'd do the dual G5s, GNC355, and the GFC500
Ragsf15e Posted February 14, 2021 Report Posted February 14, 2021 (edited) Personally, I’d stick with your gps and autopilot if both work fine. The options and installation experience will only improve over time. I would spring for dual gi275s now in order to get rid of vacuum gages and to add an hsi for ifr flying. G5s won’t work with current autopilot, so they are out if you keep it. If you really wanted to spend $$ and upgrade radio 2, the gnc375 might be an option. Or make it #1 and the 430 radio 2. Honestly though, one gps is just fine as long as you have a backup nav/com. Also think about down time. Dual gi275s is pretty easy as they slot right into existing holes. They preserve options for your future upgrades as well but still increase utility today. Edited February 14, 2021 by Ragsf15e
MIm20c Posted February 14, 2021 Report Posted February 14, 2021 I’d take that $40k and go with a 10 inch G3x, g5, and gfc500. Toss the 155 indicator on the copilot side if it has a glide slope. Sell off the two 660’s and port the 52r into the g3x. Swap the 830 for a 900 and mount it on the pilot side. Don’t forget the necessary budget for buying your SO nice things and whisky to drink the downtime away.
donkaye, MCFI Posted February 14, 2021 Report Posted February 14, 2021 You won't get the full benefit of the GFC 500 unless you get a GTN. With the GTN you get multiple step down VNAV. You also get airways and some other niceties over what you have now. I'm quite happy with the G5 as a backup, but you won't get the SVT and Flight Path Marker that can be included with the GI275. To get everything you have to pay the price. However, anyway you look at it, somehow fit in the GFC 500 and GTN. On long cross countries you will really appreciate them. I had the KFC 150 for 26 years and it is a capable autopilot, but as things go wrong with it (and they will go wrong) in time with at least the servos, you'll be happy you went with the new technology of the GFC 500 both for utility and the lack of the added expenses of KFC repairs. And do spend the extra money for the YD. In turbulence, even in the short body, you will appreciate it. 1
carusoam Posted February 14, 2021 Report Posted February 14, 2021 Do your best to post a pic of your existing panel... This helps things stand out in people’s memory... Something that needs to get changed immediately, will stand out in a pic... but may get missed by dozens.. in a long list... 1) Are you a fan of Big G? 2) Or do you prefer the challenge of assembling the best independent boxes available? 3) Do you have a plan A)? A focus on having all the available types of approaches, available for your IR training... 4) Do you prefer brand new? 5) Does pre-flown at a discount sound better? 6) The really cool thing... you have a WAAS GPS... that also does VOR and ILS... it doesn’t get much better than that... 7) Displays... An HSI is a giant leap forward for the IR... 8) There is a ton of yesterday’s tech coming to market... 9) Read up on the boxes available from Avidyne, Dynon, and PS engineering... 10) Don’t fall for anything that isn’t available today... that you haven’t seen in a Mooney somewhere yet... PP thoughts only, a way to get started... Best regards, -a-
KLRDMD Posted February 14, 2021 Report Posted February 14, 2021 Dual 275s and swap the 430W for an Avidyne 440. 2
Lance Link Posted February 14, 2021 Author Report Posted February 14, 2021 Thanks all for your excellent feedback. It seems that including a good GPS is important. Perhaps we can sell the 430 and the KX 155, get a new nav/comm, and find a good used GTN 650 to go with the GFC 500 and the GI 275s. That sounds like the most economical way to get the good stuff. I'd prefer not to go through this twice, that is not the most cost efficient path for sure. It's funny how mission creep enters into this process, "for just this much more we can have this!". As I learned from a book I used to read to my daughter when she was little, if you give a mouse a cookie, he's gonna' want a glass of milk. Alas.
carusoam Posted February 14, 2021 Report Posted February 14, 2021 Lance while working out the math... Recognize or account for... the install costs on some boxes is pretty complex and costly... Having a G430 in place... leaves the door open for a low-ish cost of install for an IFD440... Some expenses still come with that that may include new antenna wire and antenna... (which is a good idea anyway...) Oddly... there are some bargains (relatively speaking) on pre-flown equipment as some people actually swap out the latest and greatest for the most newest touch screen version... Also kind of oddly... I have poked a color screen that I knew wasn’t a touch screen... a bad iPad habit... Avoid the kln94... a color screen that is not poke proof... PP thoughts only, not selling anything today... Best regards, -a-
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