Garmin Avionics Install

[akajames]

I'm really starting to like this airplane:

Garmin Avionics in my 1998 DA20-C1 -

[krisherrick]

Looks like an awesome setup. Could you post your opinion on my you went with the gtn650 instead of the cheaper Garmin units? Also why you picked the G5 instead of the 275 or s30??

Thanks
Kris

[akajames]

Looks like an awesome setup. Could you post your opinion on my you went with the gtn650 instead of the cheaper Garmin units? Also why you picked the G5 instead of the 275 or s30??

Thanks
Kris

Hey - note that the KX155 and BendixKing GPS I removed were suboptimal for the modern training environment. I envision that one day this airplane will be used as a trainer or a really nice personal ride since it's so affordable to operate (5 gph) and loved by flight schools. I'm bringing her back to life but at 6'6", I'll never be comfortable flying it. The GTN650 will give the airplane every type of VFR and IFR navigation and communication possible (VOR, WAAS GPS, ILS, LOC, ADS-B, COMMS...) in one box. In the grand scheme, the GTN650 isn't outrageously more expensive than the other Garmin units - especially used. Future pilots will learn the modern buttonology needed to operate the newest Garmin designs. CFIs and CFIIs will have a good time explaining all the tools. The future owner can add a CDI if they'd like. It would take more panel space, weight, and wiring to install multiple navigators capable of all the above. For convenience, I wanted future pilots to have an individual COMM 2. I went G5s because the GI275s are slightly more expensive (balancing out cost of the GTN650) and more capable than this airplane really needs. The G5s are easy to use to explain modern screen design philosophy. Plus the existing instruments are in good shape so I had the backups the G5 STC requires (could remove them all with dual GI275s). Here's a reminder that the airplane isn't approved for operations in IMC, but can still operate and train under IFR in the IFR network. Finally and probably most importantly, we've installed this combination of avionics in different airplanes before and labor and downtime were minimized - we knew what we were doing even blindfolded! Everyone should analyze the their mission and balance cost of course. I was thinking about the future experience builder and a great learning platform. Future owner could add an appropriate autopilot and engine monitor and have a solid, simple, easy to operate machine. What do you think?

[krisherrick]

Awesome reply thanks for your thoughts.