Mike D
Well Known Member
Choosing an EFIS??
Oh, the endless debate over which EFIS. And with all the great systems out there, the manufactures aren?t making it easy on us homebuilders.
Just for background; I have read many of the posts here at VAF and other sites on EFIS?s. I have seen each system in action at Oshkosh and in planes, but I have only flown behind the GRT, and for only less than 5 hours.
Noting the date on the articles I am reading has become very important because things are changing very rapidly in the EFIS world. All Dynon comparisons have to be noted as pre and post Skyview. And I believe Dynon has now included GPS and pitot data in the attitude calculations which has made some posts (and opinions) invalid. (or am I wrong here?)
With all that out of the way, I have noted a few opinions as to how to choose an EFIS. (Paul had a good post on this.
(http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=26133&highlight=Iron+flight)
Given that all the systems are reliable, and that the companies show no signs of disappearing, Some of the differences in the systems I have seen are (read as deciding factors):
I have heard the lite IFR/Hard IFR comments. But I am of the mindset that either you are in it or not. BUT, There were many pilots flying IFR way before EFIS?s ever came into being. So, I am still a little confused as to why GRT is IFR and why Dynon is not. (especially the Skyview)
Price is always a factor, and that is why I would never even consider a Garmin.
So, on to the questions I have;
It is very hard to overlook all the great features in each system but if pushed, what I personally don?t like about some systems are the membrane switches of the MGL (don?t mind the connectors but locking connectors would be better), the looks and integration of the EMS on the GRT, the proprietary and completely integrated auto pilot of Dynon, and I have to admit I just know much about the Advanced.
Some of the best things are the trade in program for GRT and the Dynon value.
BTW, My mission is long X-country 3-4 times a year, burger runs every weekend, and some lite acro whenever the wife is not in the right seat.
Enough rambling for me. Any thoughts or answers?
Oh, the endless debate over which EFIS. And with all the great systems out there, the manufactures aren?t making it easy on us homebuilders.
Just for background; I have read many of the posts here at VAF and other sites on EFIS?s. I have seen each system in action at Oshkosh and in planes, but I have only flown behind the GRT, and for only less than 5 hours.
Noting the date on the articles I am reading has become very important because things are changing very rapidly in the EFIS world. All Dynon comparisons have to be noted as pre and post Skyview. And I believe Dynon has now included GPS and pitot data in the attitude calculations which has made some posts (and opinions) invalid. (or am I wrong here?)
With all that out of the way, I have noted a few opinions as to how to choose an EFIS. (Paul had a good post on this.
(http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=26133&highlight=Iron+flight)
Given that all the systems are reliable, and that the companies show no signs of disappearing, Some of the differences in the systems I have seen are (read as deciding factors):
- The mission - Buy the one that fits YOUR mission and be honest with yourself what that mission is. (Are you really IFR? I?m not now but plan to be by next year. Do you need an auto pilot?)
- IFR or VFR - GRT = IFR/VFR mission. Dynon, Advanced, and MGL = VFR missions. My understanding is that this is due to the way each system determines attitude and corrects for errors.
- Budget
I have heard the lite IFR/Hard IFR comments. But I am of the mindset that either you are in it or not. BUT, There were many pilots flying IFR way before EFIS?s ever came into being. So, I am still a little confused as to why GRT is IFR and why Dynon is not. (especially the Skyview)
Price is always a factor, and that is why I would never even consider a Garmin.
So, on to the questions I have;
- Why is a system considered to be IFR, or why not? Please compare the latest data. I am hoping Dynon Support can chime in here as well as others. Are we holding on to old opinions or over equipping our needs?
- Synthetic vision is a $1K or more option, is it worth it?
- Is there a way to pigon hole the systems (Dynon, GRT, Advanced, MGL) into a mission? - Stein? Paul? DFlyer? Rainier? Anybody?
It is very hard to overlook all the great features in each system but if pushed, what I personally don?t like about some systems are the membrane switches of the MGL (don?t mind the connectors but locking connectors would be better), the looks and integration of the EMS on the GRT, the proprietary and completely integrated auto pilot of Dynon, and I have to admit I just know much about the Advanced.
Some of the best things are the trade in program for GRT and the Dynon value.
BTW, My mission is long X-country 3-4 times a year, burger runs every weekend, and some lite acro whenever the wife is not in the right seat.
Enough rambling for me. Any thoughts or answers?