But the Dynon gear - great as it is - does not meet the GPS requirements for IFR flight. You still have to have an IFR-certified GPS to file "/G"... Or whatever the new ICAO equivalent is these days.

Cary wrote: For long term thinking purposes, the recent relaxation of the rules which hit the media about allowing certain non-TSO'd panel items to be installed in certificated airplanes may be beneficial to anyone seeking to upgrade their panel. I don't know the details, but .....

On that note, just got this in my daily GA News email bulletin:

http://generalaviationnews.com/2016/05/ ... 35b6-17986

I believe the NPRM for FAR part 23 being discussed in the article may be the "relaxation of the rules" you are speaking of, however approval is still in the future. Unfortunately the article doesn't go into any detail about just what sort of stuff might be getting the OK for installation into standard certificated GA aircraft. I assume that they're talking about EFIS systems such as Dynons, but except for the mention of the Aircraft Electronic Assn this quote from the linked article
"General aviation safety can be improved by modernizing and revamping the regulations to clear the path for technology adoption and cost-effective means to retrofit the existing fleet with new safety technologies."
might well be referring to something like a ballistic parachute system.

hotrod180 wrote:

Cary wrote: For long term thinking purposes, the recent relaxation of the rules which hit the media about allowing certain non-TSO'd panel items to be installed in certificated airplanes may be beneficial to anyone seeking to upgrade their panel. I don't know the details, but .....

On that note, just got this in my daily GA News email bulletin:

http://generalaviationnews.com/2016/05/ ... 35b6-17986

I believe the NPRM for FAR part 23 being discussed in the article may be the "relaxation of the rules" you are speaking of, however approval is still in the future. Unfortunately the article doesn't go into any detail about just what sort of stuff might be getting the OK for installation into standard certificated GA aircraft. I assume that they're talking about EFIS systems such as Dynons, but except for the mention of the Aircraft Electronic Assn this quote from the linked article
"General aviation safety can be improved by modernizing and revamping the regulations to clear the path for technology adoption and cost-effective means to retrofit the existing fleet with new safety technologies."
might well be referring to something like a ballistic parachute system.

Actually, what Cary was talking about with regard to the Dynon units is already a done deal....worked out between EAA and the FAA, and STCd on certain aircraft, with more approved types in the mill. Good news for a lot of folks in the certified world.

MTV

If that's what he was posting about.
I wouldn't consider the issuance of an STC (which no doubt took plenty of effort to obtain) as a "relaxation of the rules"...it's just following the existing rules. That's why I thought Cary was referring to the pending NPRM.

I don't like cluttered cockpits and I REALLY don't like junk mounted up on the glare shield if it blocks any of my vision. The basic premise of collision avoidance in this country is see and avoid. If you get too much stuff in that cockpit, it's going to distract you and occupy your eyes more than necessary, all of which means you're looking outside less.

So, I'd skip the 796 entirely. I'd look for a Garmin Aera 510 or higher, and mount it in an Air Gizmo mount in the radio stack. I'd also get the XM antenna, and subscribe to XM weather. It is FAR better than ADS-B data.

As to an IFR GPS, I'd probably find a used, reconditioned Garmin GNS 430 W. You don't want a straight 430...the WAAS is a big deal. Bear in mind that installation of the Garmin IFR approved radios is a very expensive process. For a new 650 and installation, you'll be looking at around $10 K or more. I wouldn't put that much into an older 172, frankly. But, the 430 W will do everything you need and do it well.

Get a good Transponder if you don't already have one. If you're going to buy one and install it, get one with ADS-B out, and get ahead of the 2020 mandate.

One of your existing radios can serve as the backup comm and maybe nav.

Buy an IPad Mini, with minimum of 32 gig memory, and subscribe to Fore Flight. That will provide you with approach plates, and backup GPS (no it's not IFR approved, but in an emergency....) and a backup to the GNS 430 W. Put the IPad in a Lifeproof case, and figure out how to attach a removable velcro strap to it, and use it on your knee. If you have an I Phone, you can download ForeFlight on it as well, which constitutes the mandatory second data source for IFR.

That's it. I'd consider an electronic attitude indicator, or at the very least before you start actual IFR, get your vacuum pump overhauled and filters changed and consider having your vacuum gyro overhauled as well.

Keep it simple and straightforward. You don't need all that much stuff for basic IFR.

MTV

Actually I was talking about both the Dynon STC and the revision to Part 23 NPRM. Slow progress is still progress.

Cary