Panel update decisions

C

chevelle

Filing Flight Plan
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Nov 8, 2013
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flyingfarmer
So I'm trying to decide on a panel upgrade for my comanche. At the moment I have a early 90's ifr narco stack though im not ifr rated but might be in the future. Thoughts started ifr radio transponder audio panel stack upgrade with garmin 275 or av30c to eliminate the vacuum system. Then that morphed into dual dynon skyview hdx with gps navcom engine monitor. Im leaning dynon just because it replaces everything where option 1 replaces alot but kinda goes half way. Anyone have some thoughts on where I should spend my money.
 
chevelle said:
Anyone have some thoughts on where I should spend my money.
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First, set a budget. If the sky's the limit then how about a Garmin G500TXi?

Second would be to set some goals, but sounds like you have a rough enough framework for now. However, one thing I'd add to your list is an engine monitor
 
You really can't go wrong either way. I have an RV-12 with an Skyview HDX and I really like it. When it was time to upgrade my C172 I almost put a Skyview HDX in it but ultimately decided to go with two GI275's paired with a GTN650xi because I thought it would be better if I sold the aircraft at a later date. So far my only regret is not getting a GTN750xi. And I probably should have sprung for the GFC500. If I sell the RV-12 that will be the next upgrade!
 
A Comanche is a great cross country plane. The modern avionics are amazing compared to your narco stack. I’ll suggest a garmin 500, G3 and 650 or 750 navigator. Not cheap but the capability is fantastic. Dynon has similar options. Oh, earn your IFR too.
 
Gfc500, GTN650, G3X…probably cost around ~$70K depending on location.
 
I’d be happy to talk with you about all of the options for a phased upgrade. PM me your phone number and we can talk.
 
Before you do anything, make sure this is your forever airplane. Once you complete what you plan to do, you will be upside down in the plane. In 3-5 years you will only get back about 60% of your costs, but the next owner will appreciate your investment!
 
Yes it is my forever plane. Ive looked at other options but I keep coming back to the plane I have.
 
chevelle said:
Yes it is my forever plane. Ive looked at other options but I keep coming back to the plane I have.
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Low long is forever? In my case and advanced age, my current plane is very likely to be forever.

Purchased in 1995, it's been through many changes of avionics, two of them requiring significant panel redesigns. Including a modern autopilot replacement in 2000 (no longer so modern), and just now toying with the idea of possibly replacing it with a new Garmin autopilot and updated GPS in the foreseeable future, depending upon the fixability and parts availability on the current 26 year old one.

I've been able to do many of the box changes in stages a few years or more apart, while also spacing out some airframe and engine improvements during the in-between years. Funny how time flys and how quick a super new and fantastic upgrade becomes ho hum and may soon superseded by something better. No worries about losing some aircraft value, that's something your estate people may have to handle.

Just keep in mind super expensive upgrades may become old hat during the time you are still alive to realize you missed out on something better that came along a short time later, causing you to regret the big spurge, and possibly a decision not to install lower priced panel investments spread out over a longer period of time.
 
Im 42 and have 2 kids no more happing so like I said I looked at different aircraft but keep coming back to my comanche.
 
Rcmutz said:
Before you do anything, make sure this is your forever airplane. Once you complete what you plan to do, you will be upside down in the plane. In 3-5 years you will only get back about 60% of your costs, but the next owner will appreciate your investment!
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Ive had the plane for 6 years bought it for 15k so I'd have to get pretty carried away to get upside down.
 
chevelle said:
Ive had the plane for 6 years bought it for 15k so I'd have to get pretty carried away to get upside down.
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Wow, you must have bought right before the cusp of the pandemic run up. Kudos.
 
asicer said:
Wow, you must have bought right before the cusp of the pandemic run up. Kudos.
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Yeah bought it in 2018. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then. Damn thats also 8 years now.
 
So many toys, so little money. The question is what do you need.

Given everything you need to upgrade, Dynon might be your best route.
 
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