They wanted a lot more than "expanded avionics capabilities."Want expanded avionics capabilities, can't afford a whole new plane... hmmmm, sounds like the same problem too me.
Based on my almost 40 years of instructing and observing other pilots in nearly 10,000 hours of cockpit experience, that puts you in an extremely small minority.
Yes, you can. But ask that shop for the installed price on a KLN-89B, and then compare what you get with that with what you get with a KNS-80 (even if you also have to price in addition of a GS to your existing nav radio). It won't be cheaper, but the extra capabilities may appear worth the extra cost. Make it a GPS/COMM like a Garmin 300XL, and you get the second comm, too, and you probably want that anyway for IFR training and operations.
20+ years of hand flying many 12+hr days with no autopilot (most of it flying that you can't use an autopilot for anyway) I guess I learned how to use the trim. When I do use an AP, I find it boring as snot, like I said, better off in an airliner.
That puts you up around 20,000 hours now, yes? How much of that was directly observing other pilots in that situation? As I said, there are some pilot for whom that is not fatiguing, but the number is very small.
I'm not sure what certification is needed. The unit is certified at the source, and the rest is just following the installation manual. As for the number of RNAV(VOR/DME) approachs, I believe there are 15 left, with two scheduled for decommissioning. However, the KNS-80 does have some value as a point-to-point navigator (not to mention as a VOR/ILS/DME unit) besides those approaches. I just don't think the value is enough to justify the cost if you can afford an early IFR GPS which gives so much more value for not that much more cost (maybe $5K vs $3K). And if you can get a KLN-89B with all accessories and installed for $3K (and I think Rusty found a really special deal), that would make it a no-brainer for me.
Are you kidding? He's been flying 12 hours a day for the last 20 years! Or maybe you've also been drinking yourself to the point of incomprehension.
Your original post indicated you are starting with one nav/comm with no GS. You'll need to be able to fly an ILS for the IR training and practical test. The KLN-89B has no VOR/ILS capability, just a GPS, and not a WAAS GPS which can provide the LPV capability which will fill the "precision approach" square for IR training and testing. Thus, to get to where you said you wanted to go, if you add a KLN-89B GPS, you'd have to add GS to your existing nav receiver/CDI to get full ILS on that.
If we keep talking you'll be signing paperwork on a new Hawker 400.
Hey I asked about an HSI and by the end of the thread I was being sold a Lear.
How is the Nav w/GS Backup? It's the only box that gets you to the ground low isn't it?
Good luck!
Henning, I have had somewhat better luck than you have had on AP's. For me an AP is a must have item for any significant IMC, single pilot. Yes I can hand fly it if I have to and have had to due to AP failure one time in 4 years with this plane. (I have hand flown more than one time in 4 years) I find AP's very reliable. I doubt, though you may be right, that you can hand fly my plane better than George. It will fly a near perfect approach, it will capture and hold an enroute altitude with in 20 feet. Actually once captured in smooth air it will hold dead on altitude. It will maintain an IAS or verticle speed and capture the pre selected altitude with in 20 feet. I am not that good after 3 hours in the soup.
John, I think what many are trying to diplomatically tell you there is no cheap way to do it correctly. IMO the KNS 80 is not worth the installation cost if it was given to you. It was nice stuff in the early 80's. Its time has passed. But, since you are not going to do any serious IMC anyway in a 140 I think what ever is the cheapest to get your plane where you can do your training might be your best bet. All of us are good at spending another's money. For $45K I even have some suggestions
KNS-80 makes a great doorstop.
