Garmin will continue to support GNS-4XX/5XX for years to come

While this is an important issue, it begs the question - how long before they make the same statement about legacy G1000's? These systems are 20 years old and it's not a $10K decision like a 430W, it's more like $150K. That will be a painful day. As a long-time semiconductor executive, I echo the earlier comment about the responsibility of a manufacturer of a long-lifecycle product to stockpile spares for extended maintenance. Garmin is playing in the same arena as other manufacturers of military-aerospace systems that require ongoing maintenance for 30 years or more. You don't ground A10 Warthogs due to lack of a few spare parts.

 

Correct me if I’m wrong - but some planes require the G1000 to remain certified. You can’t replace it with modern version of the G3, etc.

 

Just like other airplanes were only certified with siamese mag engines. The provisions for retrofit into engines with non-siamese mag eventually pop up, and it cost an arm and a leg to not become a paperweight. The same will probably be true eventually for G1000 certified fac built, though perhaps at a much lower expense than that of a non-siamese mag engine.

Either way, cost potato is the symptom, the certification rules are the root cause.

 

Most, but not all of the G1000 systems were STCd into an airframe so they should be able to be replaced. The ones that were TCd in will likely still be able to be replaced but it may take more work to get it approved.

There are already some aircraft receiving G1000 upgrades.

 

Can you get rid of the G1000 and get a less expensive option?

For example, you buy a Cirrus with an ancient non wass g1000. Can you replace it with a G500, G 3x, or even a few 275’s?

 

I would think so, If there’s approvals for the equipment to be installed. My friend who runs an avionics shop feels the same way. Cirri aren’t my thing, so without some research I can’t say with absolute confidence however.

 

While this comes from the helicopter side, its my understanding before several helicopter OEMs elected to integrate the G1000H platform on the production line 10 years ago, there were agreements made the G1000 series was to be supported differently than other Garmin lines due to this level of integration. So there is an understanding in this side of the industry the G1000 line will remain supported for decades as it would be suicide for any helicopter OEM to allow a finite timeframe on their products. How that applies to the small fixed-wing side G1000 support I don't know. But with G1000H being the sole cockpit display equipment available on some new helicopters it will be here to stay for a long time.

 

Should have said... a Cessna 152 that I am using to help keep my skills sharp without breaking the bank. The current suite is very strong for old-school IFR (ILS VOR LOC), just need the LPV capability for my home airport that doesn't have an ILS and a pesky marine layer that sneaks in from time to time.

But now you got me thinking as I can always take it with me should I sell the plane.

 

Love my 530. Was debating on getting rid of it when I update to 750 but now will keep it as my second com/gps

 

If they're supporting them out of self-interest instead of altruism, I don't care. The only thing I care about as a user is whether support is still available. And if they're doing it out of self-interest, that's probably a more reliable motivation than any supposed altruism.

 

Absolutely. Just seems there was some legend making here instead of just business as it really was.

 

The G1000 support problem is somewhat ameliorated by the fact that the system is modularized into line-replaceable units (LRUs). If one LRU becomes unrepairable, there is the possibility of designing a compatible replacement, which would eliminated the need to replace the whole system.