A word of caution for those of you considering the equipment needed for your instrument panel.
My GNS 430W was just returned from Garmin. It was sent in for the repair of an intermittent VHF receiver and transmitter. The unit was returned with the note: ?Unit meets operational performance specifications.? They did replace the display lens and updated some software. So it appears that the unit really did not have anything wrong, even though the ?Comm Needs Service? warning was displayed. The bill for this ?work? was $1116.48, including $116.48 shipping!
Don?t get me wrong ? I really like the GNS 430W. However, when you consider the charts subscription price of $460.00 per year, and the potential for an over $1000 bill every time it needs service, it is a very expensive unit.
I would recommend not having a total reliance on Garmin because of the expense of maintaining Garmin equipment. Yes, buy a GNS430/530W if you are flying IFR, but use other vendors for your #2 radio, Transponder, audio panel, and EFIS. There are much more reasonable-cost quality alternatives in the marketplace. If you really want Garmin for everything, beware of the cost, in literal terms.
I am intentionally not mentioning other manufacturers by name, so as not to make it appear that I am shilling for anyone. This note is simply to make everyone aware of the costs of ownership of Garmin equipment.
Fly on!
My GNS 430W was just returned from Garmin. It was sent in for the repair of an intermittent VHF receiver and transmitter. The unit was returned with the note: ?Unit meets operational performance specifications.? They did replace the display lens and updated some software. So it appears that the unit really did not have anything wrong, even though the ?Comm Needs Service? warning was displayed. The bill for this ?work? was $1116.48, including $116.48 shipping!
Don?t get me wrong ? I really like the GNS 430W. However, when you consider the charts subscription price of $460.00 per year, and the potential for an over $1000 bill every time it needs service, it is a very expensive unit.
I would recommend not having a total reliance on Garmin because of the expense of maintaining Garmin equipment. Yes, buy a GNS430/530W if you are flying IFR, but use other vendors for your #2 radio, Transponder, audio panel, and EFIS. There are much more reasonable-cost quality alternatives in the marketplace. If you really want Garmin for everything, beware of the cost, in literal terms.
I am intentionally not mentioning other manufacturers by name, so as not to make it appear that I am shilling for anyone. This note is simply to make everyone aware of the costs of ownership of Garmin equipment.
Fly on!