Glass Panel in an M20C!

[Theo]

Check it out! It could happen .....

[Carl S]

How about something like this?

I have had glass in my panel for a little while now and can report that it is great. If I go through with getting a Mooney it is going to be something I seriously consider.

Of course, right now I cheat. I do not have to use the certified stuff so I can get basic glass for about 10% of what we'd pay for real equipment that I could use in IFR.

Carl
N223MM

[Ned Gravel]

Theo:

I see where you are going with this.  One of these days a manufacturer of one of the little glass panels is going to offer it up for about 2 AMUs for the TSO'd version.  Until then, the fight is between the G600 and the Aspen (for substantially more than 2 AMUs), while we are always looking for little extras to make things easier for ourselves.

Stuff like the JPI 830 (?) to replace all your engine instruments, a backup electrical generation system to pull the vacuum system and dispose of it because we can use electrical (or electronic) gyros. 

And then there is the possibility of having GPS, VOR and ADF all there to provide double redundancy.  Radar altimeter as back up when you get to MAP or DH. WAAS to expand your choices when ILS aren't there or not working (or you're stuck on a back course without vertical guidance).

How about Wx displayed on the little AI or HSI in front of you, without having to look at the centre stack.

And finally, TCAS info to tell you what flight following may not yet see.

.....Someday.....

 

 

[Theo]

Quote: edgargravel

Theo:

I see where you are going with this. 

[Theo]

Quote: N223MM

How about something like this?

[RobertoTohme]

Quote: Theo

 What got me thinking was the ad in the front of AOPA Pilot for the L3 Trilogy. So I went to their web site and cut and pasted it onto my panel! It is TSO'd and is legal for backup. I don't know why a guy couldn't use it as primary, but I am sure there is a wonderfully legal and logical reason that it can't be done. But it sure looks like it would fit.

http://www.l-3avionics.com/

 

 

[Carl S]

Quote: RobertoTohme

[Theo]

Quote: RobertoTohme

[GeorgePerry]

Quote: N223MM

[Theo]

Well, this is interesting. I wrote L3 and asked if they had plans to market a version for light piston singles, and this was their reply:

 

Thank you for taking the time to review our new product; we have been impressed with the unit as well.

The Trilogy unit has been certified with an AML STC which includes the M20’s.  However, the unit has been certified as a standby indicator, not a primary indicator.  If you were to put a glass panel in the aircraft, ie. Garmin G-500 or Aspen the Trilogy would be the perfect required backup for your glass panel.  Or, if you were to keep all of your analog instruments, the Trilogy would become a backup for your primary Airspeed, Altitude and Attitude indicators.

 

So, a guy could simply relocate the steam AI to somewhere else in the panel and put the Trilogy in the middle. It would technically be a "backup" but that doesn't mean it has to be mounted in any particular place.

 

Now, if I could just scrape up 15 Large to sink in my old airplane that is barely worth twice that in todays market .....

 

Oh well.

[Guest Anonymous]

Quote: Theo

...  So, a guy could simply relocate the steam AI to somewhere else in the panel and put the Trilogy in the middle. It would technically be a "backup" but that doesn't mean it has to be mounted in any particular place. ...

[Theo]

  FAR 23,  (and related references AC 23-1309 and/or AC 23-1311) set forth requirements for WHERE the "primary" flight instuments must be placed relative to the pilot's cone of vision when looking forward. 

[Chris White ex-N205KD]

You can install an Aspen PFD for $10k OR LESS with the rebates out there right now.  And get an EHSI, GPSS, moving map, backup GPS, etc, etc, etc...

 

Wonder how L-3 thinks they're going to sell any of these at $15k?

[Theo]

Quote: mooney205kd

You can install an Aspen PFD for $10k OR LESS with the rebates out there right now.  And get an EHSI, GPSS, moving map, backup GPS, etc, etc, etc...

 

Wonder how L-3 thinks they're going to sell any of these at $15k?

[Flybeech21]

My old Attitude indicator works just fine.  I couldnt justify spending $15K for that unit if it were going in a $200K airplane.  It really doesnt increase your capabilities at all.  Unlike a WAAS unit for $10K, which increases the abilities of the airplane.  I might spend it on a WAAS unit, but I just couldnt do it for just glass.

[carusoam]

I am sensing momentum here.

Mooney owners generally will spend 2-3 AMUs (or large) for technology that works, vastly improves safety and reliability.

The government's glacial pace has improved (possibly due to global warming).

Examples: Tort reform and the return of GA aircraft construction, Self certified LSA manufacturing.

Have we found the next step?  Is it possible that an electronics company would be interested in selling more of the low cost units to all private pilots (not just pilots of experimentals) based on self certification? 

I am pretty sure the LSA system has worked for airframes (with their electronics in place). 

Is AOPA interested in this type of grass roots movement?

Can anyone suggest a next step?