Comments on The PapaGolf Chronicles: IFR for under $10,000? You betcha!

I was looking at the heated pitot on page 9 of thi...

2009-07-23T16:12:08.097-04:00

I was looking at the heated pitot on page 9 of this pricing list:

http://www.dynonavionics.com/downloads/order_form.pdf

Hi Dave. Do you have more info on the heated pitot...

2009-07-23T15:12:23.041-04:00

Hi Dave. Do you have more info on the heated pitot tube? I haven't riveted on my bottom skins yet on my RV-9A. I've already installed the "Van's" version of the poor man's pitot tube.

Dave, I believe if you want IFR you better get som...

2009-07-11T19:09:00.885-04:00

Dave, I believe if you want IFR you better get something more than what you planed for (more $$$ and begging co-owner harder). I don't like the idea of integrated EFIS/AP. When one fails I need the other as my back up. Of course a VOR is a must (legally). It is not safe neither fun just have minimum equipment for real IFR. On the other hand if you are happy with VFR cross country, get an expensive AP will make your cross country trip much more enjoyable. It is like having co-pilot Rick permanently seated in your plane even when he is not. I bet you when we arrive at Niagara Falls (in August) my arm will be more relaxed than yours.

Dave... I can't tell for sure from the photo, but ...

2009-07-11T17:49:17.578-04:00

Dave... I can't tell for sure from the photo, but if you don't already have at least a VOR in the panel, you won't be legal to fly IFR with just the GNC 300XL. I don't have the reference here in front of me just now, but this is something I've looked into quite a bit so I'm pretty sure it's correct.

The other thing is that with an IFR GPS you need external annunciation to be legal, and to properly interface the GPS to an EFIS for IFR use you also need to use the ARINC 429 bus, which I'm not sure the Dynon supports.

Good luck!

As I understand it, the autopilot is built into th...

2009-07-10T19:08:23.923-04:00

As I understand it, the autopilot is built into the Dynon D-10A EFIS and all you need to do is hook up the servos.

"...an EFIS can become an autopilot for the incremental cost of servos ($750 each). Adding servos to any Dynon EFIS or FlightDEK turns it into a full-featured dual-axis autopilot at a total cost that is comparable to other autopilot-only solutions."

I can't figure out how you get a two-axis autopilo...

2009-07-10T18:49:20.646-04:00

I can't figure out how you get a two-axis autopilot for $1650

Really, Ted, I have to ask: whose side are you on?...

2009-07-10T12:39:17.269-04:00

Really, Ted, I have to ask: whose side are you on? :-)

Get a 2 1/4" (instrument panel hole) Digitrak from...

2009-07-10T11:45:45.617-04:00

Get a 2 1/4" (instrument panel hole) Digitrak from TruTrak for $1695. Interface it with your Garmin handheld and you get a reliable autopilot. Use your trim to maintain altitude. It is the cheapest solution and will make your cross country much more enjoyable.