There is a great article in a recent Aviation Consumer about AV30s. Lots to read there about Autopilot Integration and Magentometer.

I sorta feel like in the next 18-24 months we are going to get one of two products:
1. An AV30 2.0 - that will have expanded support for Magnetometer and Autopilot - or a major upgrade package
2. As mentioned earlier in this thread - an upgrade to something like the G6.

Following issues with Waiting:
- The trouble with #2 is that Garmin might not want to compete with the GI275 in the Round Gauge market. Still their product is roughly 2.5x the cost of the AV30, so they can't ignore that. It would be the problem the Porsche Cayman has to the 911.

- 2x GI275 has a bit of an issue where the cost creeps into G3X territory. Doubtful they lower the price but it's an issue.

- The other issue is the backlog and demand, with a huge backlog for existing products and chip shortages and economic slowdown, not the most ideal time to introduce a hit new product.

- If it takes 24 months to get a new product, you are also going to be a launch customer in 24 months. Which means waiting and software updates. this could mean another 6 months or bad timing to be down during a flying season.


I have 2x GI275 in one plane and flown AV30 in another, they are both great once all configured and working. If you buy the Syntethic Vision upgrade to the GI275 it's pretty amazing, Everything you need right there.


I think for My Comanche I've got a Scandia I need to replace and I'm going to go with a AV30C and keep the Vaccum as a backup. Plane really does not need to lose weight the way a Seaplane Does, and why not have a nice backup. Software is never bug free.

Greg, the DG procession is annoying I guess (do you all actually look at that thing?) but this past summer there was a number of people in Alaska who were getting unreliable attitude info. It was only after the software update to fix the DG. UAvionix claimed vibration but it happened only after the update so there was more to it. It was a little scary. Still bought one though.

I would like to see two G5s or GI275s stacked together in one unit (G10? GI550?) to compete with the Aspen.

C180_guy wrote:I would like to see two G5s or GI275s stacked together in one unit (G10? GI550?) to compete with the Aspen.

That’s called a G-3X, I think.

MTV

No, it's larger.

C180_guy wrote:No, it's larger.

That was intended as a bit of sarcasm.. By the time Garmin built something like that, it’d cost more than a G3X

And, anyway, they’re likely spending ALL their time right now trying to fix the screw up in their autopilot.

MTV

As always, thanks for your helpful responses MTV.

mtv wrote:

C180_guy wrote:I would like to see two G5s or GI275s stacked together in one unit (G10? GI550?) to compete with the Aspen.

That’s called a G-3X, I think.

MTV

The early model of the G3 actually was more like the form factor of an Aspen. It was a 7” screen and meant to be oriented in portrait. I think they discontinued them with the popularity of the G3X.

Edit: I take that back. Just googled it and They do still offer the 7” 470 G3X as certified.

Why would you stop at one? With your resources and skill set why wouldn’t you give good ole Dad both options. Instal one of each and get pops to give us his review.

Bkn

I’ve been following this discussion because I’m going to add a backup EFIS to my plane and want to add autopilot. An experimental G5 with autopilot seems like a good option but I keep recalling the issues Bigrenna had with his G5s years ago. I was hoping this discussion would hello talk me into the G5…

Bkn4thr wrote:Why would you stop at one? With your resources and skill set why wouldn’t you give good ole Dad both options. Instal one of each and get pops to give us his review.

Bkn

Greg, this is what it boils down to. I know my ol man would want both so he could make his own decision. At least a decent amount of info on each anyway. So, why not install both? Let him decide then sell the other unit?

Remember, follow me for more tips on how to spend your money

whee wrote:I’ve been following this discussion because I’m going to add a backup EFIS to my plane and want to add autopilot. An experimental G5 with autopilot seems like a good option but I keep recalling the issues Bigrenna had with his G5s years ago. I was hoping this discussion would hello talk me into the G5…

Can you install the experimental G5 in a certified plane if you are not using as a primary flight instrument? I want to get a GFC 500 which needs a G5 or 275 but not dying to ditch my vacuum instruments and it would save a lot of $.

frstnflt wrote:Can you install the experimental G5 in a certified plane if you are not using as a primary flight instrument? I want to get a GFC 500 which needs a G5 or 275 but not dying to ditch my vacuum instruments and it would save a lot of $.

I did so, shortly before the STC'd version came out,
per FAA policy statement PS-ACE-23-08.
Verified this was OK with two different inspectors at the local FSDO.

https://www.kellymfg.com/images/PS-ACE-23-08.pdf

Greg,

I went early with dual G-5s, GTN750 now XI and the GFC 500. Removed the vacuum system etc. I had the second 185 with the GFC 500 after the STC was approved. I have 500 hours or so on my setup. Whatever..

I've seen a lot about the AV-30 and it looks really nice.

Here is what I like about the G5. It's a simple interface with the 750. I use the 750 and my iPad for maps and approach charts etc. The GFC-500 with the G5 and the 750 provide a seamless transition from the enroute environment to the the approach environment. VNAV to LPV minimums is a glorious way to go in a 185 (should you need to) I might add. I don't do much hard IFR in my 185 but when I do I've found this set up to be very very good.

I have flown with a number of 275 set ups. They are great but for me there is a bit too much information in a small space and I'm either too old to assimilate that much information in a small space or I'm used to using primary flight instruments for what they were meant for, flying the airplane.

I have to use "cheaters" now to see the little stuff on the panel. I can zoom in on the iPad or the 750 to see what I need. What I do like about the G5 is it consistent in what it displays so I know what I'm getting when I look at it. The value of two of them is independent
redundant displays with 4 hour battery backup. Swappable between HSI and ADI.

I'm sure the AV-30 is super. I know nothing about that system. Just giving you the data I have on the G5.

I'm sure you will have a kick ass set up all said and done.

MW