aftCG wrote:I plan on buying a pair of AV-30s for my Kitfox build. One thing about the AV-30 vs G5 is that you can select the HSI mode on the fly with the AV-30. Not so much on the G5. I think the AV-30's only real competition is the Garmin GI 275. Even more capability (like wow is it flexible, including EIS functions), but again the price point is above where I need to be.

With a Kitfox, you have a lot of options. I’d look at Dynon or some of the other EX units.

MTV

I get the hype around a new product, but the comparison to the G5 isn’t apples to apples. I’m planning an upgrade and it will include 2 G5s. Why not AV-30?

1) No wind barb

2) Won’t control a GFC 500 autopilot, hands down the best autopilot out there for a 185.

Bashing Garmin because you can’t mix and match a hodgepodge of avionics that includes a few choices from Garmin and enjoy all the features of a Garmin only suite just isn’t fair to Garmin.

I’m as happy as anyone that we can choose from several manufacturers, but let’s not ignore the good that Garmin has brought to our sector.

I truly believe that the non Garmin manufacturers could do a lot more to integrate with each other. Some may even need to merge. Dynon has begun, with their partnership with Trig. Bendix is trying to buy what they can and rebrand it as their own. Aspen is struggling to integrate their EFIS with the new STEC 3100 digital auto pilot. No one has yet come up with a decent attitude solid state gyro to replace the Bendix unit that drives their KFC 200. There a long way to go. And don’t expect the solutions to be retroactive to legacy stuff.

All the Garmin stuff plays pretty good with anything else Garmin.

“let’s not ignore the good that Garmin has brought to our sector”

Amen. Garmin might be perceived by some as the big, bad monster but their products are awesome. One word description...“Intuitive” comes to mind. Their presence in the market is a very good thing, it inspires competition which is very good for the consumer. Personally, I’m buying an AV30 for my experimental and 2 more for my certified. Thank you Garmin.

Hey I’m not outright bashing Garmin, they are an industry leader and blew the lid off a stagnated GA avionics market. For the record the lateral guidance for my dual AV-30 setup will be Garmin unit.

Anyone know if the (soon to be certified) AV-30 can function as a legal cdi for a Garmin gps in a certified IFR installation?

Just wanted to bump this post to see if there have been any new experiences or information on the AV-30-C. My DG died recently so I'm exploring options to go electronic on AI & DG and removing the vacuum system. Never was a fan of the square, dual G5's projecting from the panel so the AV-30 intrigues me.

I have a non-WAAS GNS 430 and Stec 60. The plane (Cessna R172K, Hawk XP) is IFR equipped, though I'm not rated, and I want to keep it that way. The E5 seems like a good fit but requires a WAAS GPS source, if I understand correctly, complicating ($$) installation.

Seems like the AV-30 is the most suitable option for me, assuming they get the AP interface worked out. Any thoughts?

I'm not "in service" with mine yet as you can tell from the picture however I did fly with a pal in his dual AV30 equipped 172 and they where impressive. I found the format to be well laid out and intuitive enough for an Old Dog who has an aversion to user manuals to figure out. The part I really like is the "no magenta" mode, I get enough of that color at work so I don't want it when I'm out playing.

Sweet! Hope you'll update the thread as your experience develops including installation.

How did this all turn out?

I was thinking of using my 140 to do IFR training, but I think I need a VOR radio to shoot ILS approaches, unless I fundamentally misunderstand the FAA training requirements.

Basically I was going to do the dual AV-30 setup, but without localizer and glideslope, the AV30 CDI doesn't do everything I need it to. I have WAAS gps for the transponder, but no navigator.

The cheapest I could think of is an SL-30 for radios, AV30 attitude indicator, mechanical HSI for 1500 e.g. MD200-306. It is like 6500 for this setup plus magnetometer and installation.

It would be great to just use the existing WAAS plus two AV30s to do instrument training on. Oh well.

I’m going to be swapping some GI275s into my skywagon, seems the best option out there, especially if you want to keep the original style panel





https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/719027

Final panel configuration, power on "pending". The only mechanical instruments are the 2 1/4" oil pressure and engine RPM located above the glove box and a iPad mini will be mounted too the far right . Sorry MTV I just couldn't find enough real estate for the larger MP gauge.

Side Note: If anyone in the community is looking for a original Avcon combination MP/FP gauge the one MTV donated to my project is in "like new" condition and ready to play.

I pulled the trigger on an AV-30C for my 72 GCBC we use for tailwheel endorsements. Any recommendations for a GPS that will integrate?
Thanks

gregwyatt wrote:I pulled the trigger on an AV-30C for my 72 GCBC we use for tailwheel endorsements. Any recommendations for a GPS that will integrate?
Thanks

My AV30's receives lateral guidance from a GNC250 but they will accept any make or model and even some handheld units

I have been flying with two AV-30C instruments in my 175 since they were certified.

I am a fan, for several reasons. Installation is easy, they are FAR less expensive than some iPod the options, but at least a fair bit cheaper than some.

The newest version will have an onboard magnetometer. They are compatible with virtually any gps unit, either panel mount or portable, for course information.

I got rid of all the junk associated with the vacuum system.

These units can display a plethora of data points: Attitude indicator, DG, IAS, TAS, displays various speeds, Angle of attack, barometric pressureetc, etc. if you install an outside air temp probe, the AV 30 displays not only OAT, but a direct readout of Density Altitude. Operating at high DAs regularly, that feature alone justified the installation.

For about $1800, that’s a really sweet deal. Lots of bang for the bucks,

I’d go there again in a heartbeat. I now have purchased three devices from uAvionix, and the company has treated me very well. Their early Skybeacons had some issues, which they sorted out and replaced the unit without argument.

MTV

I emailed them today and was told they expect the approval in the first quarter of 2022.

flyingzebra wrote:I emailed them today and was told they expect the approval in the first quarter of 2022.

Sounds like they're already approved?

mtv wrote: I have been flying with two AV-30C instruments in my 175 since they were certified. ....

hotrod180 wrote:

flyingzebra wrote:I emailed them today and was told they expect the approval in the first quarter of 2022.

Sounds like they're already approved?

mtv wrote: I have been flying with two AV-30C instruments in my 175 since they were certified. ....

I think he was referring to the latest version, with the on board magnetometer. The AV-30C has been approved for nearly a year, and they’ve sold a LOT of them.

MTV

Sorry, I meant to say the approval for their version that can drive an auto pilot.
Chris

Don't have an auto pilot but I am in the stages of upgrading the panel in my Rebel. Was in contact with Cost Aero about getting dual AV-30-E with the OAT and the AV Link. I was thinking of the possibility of eventually installing an auto pilot and had discussed just going with a Dynon panel....but that isn't in my budget anytime soon.

I've spent the last several days reading different posts on the AV-30 to make sure it is what I will be happy with. Auto pilot capabilities are in the future supposedly.

WWhunter wrote:.... I was thinking of the possibility of eventually installing an auto pilot.....

FWIW the "experimental" (I prefer the term "non-certified") version of the Garmin G5 can drive an autopilot--
either via input from a nav source (such as a Garmin GPS) or by just setting the heading bug.