kevinh said:
I'd feel better with a GNS-430 plus a blue mountain EFIS than I would with this Chelton system. $15K without redundancy. Ouch.
btw: I have a Dynon D10 and GNS-430, but if I was doing things today I'd be looking at the BMA EFIS sport.
BMA EFIS Sport is $6500 and the GNS-430 is around $6700. That makes $13,200. And where is the redundancy in that system? You have one GPS and one flight instrument, correct? I guess you do get two screens with that set up.
Stein said:
The Chelton Systems are expensive, but they are definately top of the line when it comes to the EFIS stuff. My experience is with the little Dynons up to the Cheltons, and the GRT stuff in between.
Thanks for your comments Stein. I noticed on your web site earlier this week that you're carrying Chelton now.
It's difficult trying to make a decision on these systems. None of the web sites are very clear, and some manufacturers are quoting features that are not yet implemented. I work in the software field, so I'm very familiar with how well vaporware works. At different time over the past year, I've been sold on the Dynon, Grand Rapids, Blue Mountain, and my current preference, the Chelton.
From what I can tell the Chelton has (at least) these two features over the others:
1. Conformal display of obstructions, terrain, and traffic (from mode S transponder). Some of the others can display this info in the map mode, but not on the flight display.
2. Dead-stick glide area. The Chelton will draw the area on the map display considering altitude, glide ratio, wind, altitude lost during turns, etc.
I tried contacting Direct2Avionics with some questions on the Chelton, but haven't heard anything back yet. What is their relationship in the Chelton business? They seem like kind of a middle-man between Chelton and the experimental-market avionics sellers.
If you have a minute for some Chelton questions that I can't seem to find answers for:
On the new single-screen Chelton unit, is there a split-screen mode that shows the flight display and map at the same time? Or do you have to flip between them?
To enable the engine monitoring function on the Chelton is a separate engine monitoring system needed, such as the Grand Rapids EIS-4000?
The specs section of
this brochure says the GPS in the Chelton is a "Garmin non-certified". Does that mean the Chelton can't be used for IFR GPS approaches?
Since the Chelton uses Jepp data, I assume the same subscription fees apply to this unit as with a Garmin GPS.
Thanks,
Dave