To get GPS as cheaply as possible is likely to source an older King (KLN) and a standalone CDI. Jepp still sells the database updates for the KLN series.
Should the questions be, what is the minimum cost reasonable setup for IFR and what is the sweet spot between cost and functionality (where a little more money gets a lot more function and ease of use)?
Should the questions be, what is the minimum cost reasonable setup for IFR and what is the sweet spot between cost and functionality (where a little more money gets a lot more function and ease of use)?
Also, what will you gps only guys do if your sole gps box goes down? Or worse, someone jams the signal, or you just happen to get bad geometry (this recently happened to me)?
I had the same plan until a couple of weeks ago when my instructor pointed out that you have to do 3 different types of approaches for the checkride - tough to do without a GPS and NAV radios. There are multiple types of non-GPS approaches, but it becomes problematic finding one you can actually access.
Most people can find a VOR, LOC, and ILS approaches somewhere nearby. They count as three. Unfortunately, GPS-WAAS only gives you two. Non-WAAS, one.
For those comparing the SL-30 to the VAL nav, there is one important difference:
The SL30 can bring in two VORs, or an ILS and a VOR, simultaneously. As MB and LOMs disappear, more and more ILS's now use a VOR cross-fix for the FAF, step downs, etc. My SL30 displays, on my GRT HX, the primary ILS (or VOR) on the HSI needle, and the second VOR as an RMI needle - making the approach with just one nav easy. With the VAL you'll be constantly swapping frequencies back and forth to find that fix, while tracking inbound.
I had the same plan until a couple of weeks ago when my instructor pointed out that you have to do 3 different types of approaches for the checkride - tough to do without a GPS and NAV radios. There are multiple types of non-GPS approaches, but it becomes problematic finding one you can actually access. Not impossible, but I went ahead and added a GNC420 to my stack.
No, wrong question. IFR is serious business. The correct question is, ?How much redundancy is needed for you to feel safe?? Obviously this is a subjective question,..
I thought that's what my first thirteen words said?
+1. My poorly expressed opinion was that,for me, I felt I needed to spend considerably more money for equipment that adds no function or ease of use ? that is, unless my two main efis units, or 420W, fails. Then I?ll be really happy I spent the money......... (where a little more money gets a lot more function and ease of use)?