Garmin GNC 250XL [Archive]

Jay Honeck

November 10th 04, 03:29 PM

> You are not about to ditch your AvMap?

Ditch the Avmap? Heck, no!

The panel mount Garmin's display and functionality is so vastly inferior to
the AvMap, that I would certainly look at *it* as the back-up unit -- not
the other way around.

However, I've got an old Narco 120 Com that works fine but is getting pretty
"long-in-the-tooth". I've also got an old Narco DME that works perfectly,
but is utterly useless to me.

I'd like to yank both those units, save about ten pounds, sell them on Ebay,
and replace them with a new Garmin GPS/Com combo. I think that would be a
great upgrade -- but I'd like to hear from folks who have one before making
the leap!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

Brian Sponcil

November 10th 04, 03:44 PM

It may have something to do with the installation costs. If you're going to
install the 300XL as an IFR unit you'll need a CDI and an annunciator - not
cheap. I *THINK* that you can probably install it as a VFR only unit which
would seemingly make it a better deal than the 250XL.

Just my $.02

-Brian
N33431
Iowa City, IA

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:X0qkd.321946$wV.199876@attbi_s54...
>> http://www.garmin.com/products/gnc250xl/
>
> As a follow-up, can anyone figure out why the GNC 300XL (the IFR-certified
> version of this unit) is actually available for LESS money on Ebay and
> other sources?

Michael 182

November 10th 04, 03:50 PM

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:stqkd.321972$wV.301196@attbi_s54...
> I'd like to yank both those units, save about ten pounds, sell them on
> Ebay, and replace them with a new Garmin GPS/Com combo. I think that
> would be a great upgrade -- but I'd like to hear from folks who have one
> before making the leap!

I used to have one in a previous plane. Worked great. In addition, it can be
IFR certified, in case you decide to go that way. Can't remember the
subscription price, which in any case, has probably gone down since you can
probably renew through the Internet rather then sending data cards bck and
forth. In fact, I don't even remember if it used data cards, although I
assume it did...

Michael

Dude

November 10th 04, 04:04 PM

I have one, and its okay for most uses.

I don't really like the map mode that much, but since I use it as a back up
that is okay. Also, sunlight readability is limited. I mostly use it like
an ADF or DME as a backup to my 430.

If I had it all to do over again, I would have gone for a 420 or second 430
and damn the costs. Having now flown with two 400 series slaved together, I
really think the ease and SA are worth the money.

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:PWpkd.81189$R05.66884@attbi_s53...
> Anyone got one of these units?
>
> http://www.garmin.com/products/gnc250xl/
>
> It seems to combine two very useful things (a VFR moving map GPS and a Com
> radio) into one compact unit.
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>

Louis L. Perley III

November 10th 04, 04:50 PM

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:stqkd.321972$wV.301196@attbi_s54...
>
> However, I've got an old Narco 120 Com that works fine but is getting
pretty
> "long-in-the-tooth". I've also got an old Narco DME that works perfectly,
> but is utterly useless to me.
>
> I'd like to yank both those units, save about ten pounds, sell them on
Ebay,
> and replace them with a new Garmin GPS/Com combo. I think that would be a
> great upgrade -- but I'd like to hear from folks who have one before
making
> the leap!

I do believe if you wanted to use the GPS as a DME, you'll need to have the
300XL installed IFR (which would mean you'd need to replace/add a CDI, etc.
as well as the requisite paperwork). I've thought about replacing one of my
old RT-385 Nav/Coms in the C152 for the same reasons you state in your
original post, but the cost of doing the IFR install have held me off from
doing it so far. I figure if I'm going to install a 300XL I should probably
go for the IFR cert, otherwise it's just better to go get a Garmin 296 and
buy one of those MX slide in replacement comms and still have three grand in
my pocket. I was told between the radio and install I was looking at $6,000
or so. At that point I figured why not go for the extra and get a 430, etc.
Just like anything else in aviation, there is always something better for
just a little bit more. I have been told that if you install a Garmin 430,
it is legal to install without the CDI because of the way it was approved
(at least you don't need the CDI for GPS use). I've never seen one that way,
they all have the CDI, but I think that's if you want to use the NAV
abilities for VORs, ILSes, etc. I might be able to get away with the 430
since I have ILS on my primary navcomm.

--
Louis L. Perley III
N46000 - C152
N370 - PA-23-250

Marco Leon

November 10th 04, 05:34 PM

I agree with Dude. If you spring for the extra couple of thousand for a
Garmin GNS 430, you have ILS, NAV, Comm, IFR GPS, and legal replacement for
ADF and DME in most applications. Also, you have the option of upgrading to
WAAS next year if you get your instrument rating. I predict the 430 will be
supported for a much longer time than the GNC series. Also, the resale value
will be upgraded significantly.

Jay, if you wind up getting an instrument rating and the FAA happens to
certify an LPV for your airport, you'll be kicking yourself in the butt for
not spending the extra $$.

GO FOR IT! I did it and would do it again in a heartbeat. Atlas deserves it.

Marco Leon
N36616 (Lowly Warrior with a 430) :-D

"Dude" > wrote in message
...
> I have one, and its okay for most uses.
>
> I don't really like the map mode that much, but since I use it as a back
up
> that is okay. Also, sunlight readability is limited. I mostly use it like
> an ADF or DME as a backup to my 430.
>
> If I had it all to do over again, I would have gone for a 420 or second
430
> and damn the costs. Having now flown with two 400 series slaved together,
I
> really think the ease and SA are worth the money.
>
>
>
>
> "Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
> news:PWpkd.81189$R05.66884@attbi_s53...
> > Anyone got one of these units?
> >
> > http://www.garmin.com/products/gnc250xl/
> >
> > It seems to combine two very useful things (a VFR moving map GPS and a
Com
> > radio) into one compact unit.
> > --
> > Jay Honeck
> > Iowa City, IA
> > Pathfinder N56993
> > www.AlexisParkInn.com
> > "Your Aviation Destination"
> >
>
>

Hankal

November 10th 04, 05:49 PM

he panel mount Garmin's display and functionality is so vastly inferior to
the AvMap, that I would certainly look at *it* as the back-up unit -- not the
other way around.

Yes I love the ease of read with the Avmap
However it would not be legal to fly approaches with it.
I do not have DME and a lot of approaches
require DME or GPS. I thought about installing the Garmin 430, but the 480 is
only 2K more.
To upgrade the 430 for Vertical and horizontal capability will be 1500, if and
when it becomes available.
Hank

Aaron Coolidge

November 10th 04, 06:08 PM

Michael 182 > wrote:

: "Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
: news:stqkd.321972$wV.301196@attbi_s54...
:> I'd like to yank both those units, save about ten pounds, sell them on
:> Ebay, and replace them with a new Garmin GPS/Com combo. I think that
:> would be a great upgrade -- but I'd like to hear from folks who have one
:> before making the leap!

: I used to have one in a previous plane. Worked great. In addition, it can be
: IFR certified, in case you decide to go that way. Can't remember the
: subscription price, which in any case, has probably gone down since you can
: probably renew through the Internet rather then sending data cards bck and
: forth. In fact, I don't even remember if it used data cards, although I
: assume it did...

The subscription is about $360/year for internet based updates. That gets
you an update every 28 days (13 a year). You may be able to get a
subscription for a smaller geographic area for less $$$ (I can't with my GPS).

The 250XL is not IFR upgradeable. The 300 XL is IFR upgradeable with
apropriate additional equipment: CDI and annunciator/switch. The 300 XL can
be installed as a VFR only unit. Why the 300Xl is cheaper than the 250XL is
anyones guess, but I'd get the 300Xl over the 250Xl were it my choice.
--
Aaron Coolidge

C Kingsbury

November 10th 04, 07:38 PM

My guess is that people make a list of units in their head that they are
going to look for, and they a priori exclude IFR units thinking they will be
much more expensive. Therefore, the demand for the 250 is greater, and
drives the prices higher.

As for a VFR-only install, you could install a ham sandwich and call it a
VFR GPS, for all the FAA cares.

-cwk.

"Brian Sponcil" > wrote in message
...
> It may have something to do with the installation costs. If you're going
to
> install the 300XL as an IFR unit you'll need a CDI and an annunciator -
not
> cheap. I *THINK* that you can probably install it as a VFR only unit
which
> would seemingly make it a better deal than the 250XL.
>
> Just my $.02

Nathan Young

November 10th 04, 08:29 PM

On Wed, 10 Nov 2004 15:29:28 GMT, "Jay Honeck"
> wrote:

>> You are not about to ditch your AvMap?
>
>Ditch the Avmap? Heck, no!
>
>The panel mount Garmin's display and functionality is so vastly inferior to
>the AvMap, that I would certainly look at *it* as the back-up unit -- not
>the other way around.
>
>However, I've got an old Narco 120 Com that works fine but is getting pretty
>"long-in-the-tooth". I've also got an old Narco DME that works perfectly,
>but is utterly useless to me.
>
>I'd like to yank both those units, save about ten pounds, sell them on Ebay,
>and replace them with a new Garmin GPS/Com combo. I think that would be a
>great upgrade -- but I'd like to hear from folks who have one before making
>the leap!

Jay, as a reference -

I very much enjoy having DME in the plane in addition to my yoke-mount
Garmin 295. It is helpful for identifying intersections during IFR
enroute, and is a nice to have (if not a requirement) for many
approaches.

What am I getting at? Even though an IFR GPS can substitute for DME,
I am not sure that I would remove the DME, and I certainly would keep
it if I installed a panel-mount VFR GPS.

-Nathan

Nathan Young

November 10th 04, 08:33 PM

On Wed, 10 Nov 2004 09:50:11 -0700, "Louis L. Perley III"
> wrote:

>I do believe if you wanted to use the GPS as a DME, you'll need to have the
>300XL installed IFR (which would mean you'd need to replace/add a CDI, etc.
>as well as the requisite paperwork). I've thought about replacing one of my
>old RT-385 Nav/Coms in the C152 for the same reasons you state in your
>original post, but the cost of doing the IFR install have held me off from
>doing it so far. I figure if I'm going to install a 300XL I should probably
>go for the IFR cert, otherwise it's just better to go get a Garmin 296 and
>buy one of those MX slide in replacement comms and still have three grand in
>my pocket. I was told between the radio and install I was looking at $6,000
>or so. At that point I figured why not go for the extra and get a 430, etc.
>Just like anything else in aviation, there is always something better for
>just a little bit more. I have been told that if you install a Garmin 430,
>it is legal to install without the CDI because of the way it was approved
>(at least you don't need the CDI for GPS use). I've never seen one that way,
>they all have the CDI, but I think that's if you want to use the NAV
>abilities for VORs, ILSes, etc. I might be able to get away with the 430
>since I have ILS on my primary navcomm.

I think the GNS430 will still require a CDI for an IFR-install.
However, the 430 will not require the external swtiching/annunciator
panel that the 300XL will, so the install of a 430 is a bit cheaper
than a 300XL.

Also, if you are only looking for a GPS install, you should look at
GNS400 (basically a 430 with GPS only), or the GNC420 (GPS/COM).

Jay Masino

November 10th 04, 08:34 PM

Brian Sponcil > wrote:
> It may have something to do with the installation costs. If you're going to
> install the 300XL as an IFR unit you'll need a CDI and an annunciator - not
> cheap. I *THINK* that you can probably install it as a VFR only unit which
> would seemingly make it a better deal than the 250XL.

For an IFR install, you also need a means to interface it to your altitude
encoder. This often means purchasing a serializer to convert from grey
code (I think) to RS-232c. I know that on my GX-60, you can go into
system setup mode and tell it to behave like a VFR-only GPS.

If you're seriously thinking about these two units, I definitely think you
should go with the 300XL, just in case you want to get it IFR certified at
a later date. A used UPSAT GX-60 is probably a good buy, too.

--- Jay

--
__!__
Jay and Teresa Masino ___(_)___
http://www2.ari.net/jmasino ! ! !
http://www.oceancityairport.com
http://www.oc-adolfos.com

Jack Allison

November 10th 04, 08:46 PM

Not sure if it's the exact same unit but one of the rental birds I used
to fly had something that looked (it's been a while) like this. Very
nice unit, easy to use. Color and larger screen would be better (having
used both) but if this was all one could afford, IMHO, it's a nice unit

Jay Honeck wrote:

--
Jack Allison
PP-ASEL, plan-to-be-IA-Student, flying club member/co-owner wanna-be

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth
with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there
you will always long to return"
- Leonardo Da Vinci

(Remove the obvious from address to reply via e-mail)

Carl Orton

November 11th 04, 01:12 AM

Jay:

I have a 250 in my 172 (came with it). Very easy to use, and intuitive. The
rental 172's I flew for a few years had the Bendix KLN-94 color, which gave
much more information.

As an example, the 250/300 do not include any geographic or road features.
Just dots on the map for the airports or radio aids (different dots,
though).

I've found the 250 easier to use menu/option wise compared to the Bendix.
More intuitive. As another user mentioned, when the sun is hitting the
screen dead-on, I sometimes have to shade the screen with my hand in order
to see what I'm looking for.

My neighbor has the Jepp Sky-? that let's you reprogram your own cards at a
slight discount from the card exchange that Jepp provides. If you don't get
a subscription, it's around $60 for the US, one-shot.

Given all that, I've really enjoyed it. I've considered getting a 300 to use
in addition to my 250, as the 250 is my only comm/navigation unit. Odd in
that my plane already has the CDI and switch connected to the 250, so I
guess I'm set up for IFR if I get the 300.

Carl

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:PWpkd.81189$R05.66884@attbi_s53...
> Anyone got one of these units?
>
> http://www.garmin.com/products/gnc250xl/
>
> It seems to combine two very useful things (a VFR moving map GPS and a Com
> radio) into one compact unit.
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>

Aaron Coolidge

November 11th 04, 03:50 AM

Nathan Young > wrote:
: Jay, as a reference -

: I very much enjoy having DME in the plane in addition to my yoke-mount
: Garmin 295. It is helpful for identifying intersections during IFR
: enroute, and is a nice to have (if not a requirement) for many
: approaches.

Seconded. I like having my DME, my IFR GPS, and my 295. The DME is very
easy to interpret (OK, I'm 12.6 from PVD, so I'm well clear of their 'C').
The 'B' airspace around me is derived off the BOS vortac, so it's helpful
there as well. I usually use the IFR GPS for point-to-point navigation while
keeping the DME tuned to navaids off to the side such as the BOS vortac I
mentioned, helps to stay out of their airspace.
--
Aaron Coolidge (N9376J)

Jay Honeck

November 11th 04, 04:35 PM

> : I very much enjoy having DME in the plane in addition to my yoke-mount
> : Garmin 295. It is helpful for identifying intersections during IFR
> : enroute, and is a nice to have (if not a requirement) for many
> : approaches.
>
> Seconded. I like having my DME, my IFR GPS, and my 295. The DME is very
> easy to interpret (OK, I'm 12.6 from PVD, so I'm well clear of their 'C').
> The 'B' airspace around me is derived off the BOS vortac, so it's helpful
> there as well. I usually use the IFR GPS for point-to-point navigation
> while
> keeping the DME tuned to navaids off to the side such as the BOS vortac I
> mentioned, helps to stay out of their airspace.

I know we all have our preferences, but DME seems to me to have been made
completely outmoded by the advent of moving map GPS.

My AvMap graphically depicts Class B airspace in a way that is so easily
understood, it would be virtually impossible to "bust" it without realizing
what you were doing. The DME would only confirm -- in a far less useful
format -- what the GPS is already telling me.

That, and the fact that I have no intention of getting my IFR ticket in the
near future, makes my Narco DME little more useful than a door stop in
Atlas. I *do* turn it on once in a while, just to see if it still powers
up -- but that's about it.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

Hankal

November 11th 04, 06:13 PM

>That, and the fact that I have no intention of getting my IFR ticket in the
>near future,

WHY?
Do you have VFR weather in your neck of the woods most of the time?
I just find it easier to file IFR, If it gets real bumpy I can always ask for
higher or lower and if denied cancel IFR.
Most of my flights are in VFR conditions, but I never know what the weather is
like at my destination. Of course I always call FS
but things can change in a hurry'
Hank

PaulaJay1

November 11th 04, 07:16 PM

In article >,
(Hankal) writes:

>That, and the fact that I have no intention of getting my IFR ticket in the
>>near future,
>
>WHY?
>Do you have VFR weather in your neck of the woods most of the time?
>I just find it easier to file IFR, If it gets real bumpy I can always ask for
>higher or lower and if denied cancel IFR.
>Most of my flights are in VFR conditions, but I never know what the weather
>is
>like at my destination. Of course I always call FS
>but things can change in a hurry'

After getting my IFR ticket I now don't fly in weather that I am legal to fly
in, rather than flying in marginal weather where I am not allowed. I probably
do 4 to 6 real approaches per year. But climbing thru a layer to fly smoothly
on top, or not worrying about "Is there a cloud deck at my destination?" sure
made it worthwhile.
Chuck

Jay Masino

November 11th 04, 08:14 PM

Hankal > wrote:
>>That, and the fact that I have no intention of getting my IFR ticket in the
>>near future,
> WHY?
> Do you have VFR weather in your neck of the woods most of the time?
> I just find it easier to file IFR, If it gets real bumpy I can always ask for
> higher or lower and if denied cancel IFR.

I don't blame Jay, at all. After I got my IFR ticket, I practiced fairly
regularly, but that eventually got old. I equipped my plane with pretty
reasonable IFR radios... a GX-60 IFR GPS, Stormscope, KNS-80 and autopilot
coupled to the GPS. In addition I always have my handheld GPS.
Eventually, I came to the realization that, if you're not practicing
pretty frequently, you're unneccesarily risking the lives of your wife and
kids (or in my case, my wife and dog). Every second your in IMC, you're
using your brain and skill to NOT kill your loved ones. I couldn't see
myself doing that unless I kept myself really, really sharp. I like
looking out the window too much to dilligently practice that often. I
think that a lot of instrument rated private pilots SHOULD come to the
same conclusion. Having said that, getting the rating was an excellent
learning experience, and I'm glad I did it. I just don't take advantage
of it, anymore.

--- Jay

--
__!__
Jay and Teresa Masino ___(_)___
http://www2.ari.net/jmasino ! ! !
http://www.oceancityairport.com
http://www.oc-adolfos.com

Hankal

November 11th 04, 08:23 PM

>Having said that, getting the rating was an excellent
>learning experience, and I'm glad I did it. I just don't take advantage
>of it, anymore.

I agree. I file IFR in VFR conditions, just easier.
I do stay current, because at my age it does not take very long to get rusty.
Hank

No Spam

November 11th 04, 10:02 PM

Yup, I got one in my Husky. Works great. I use it mainly as the main comm
unit due to the database - makes it easy to insert freqs. However, as a GPS
unit, it's strictly backup/confirmation for a 196 on the glareshield.

I only update the database infrequently. $175 per shot, last time I did it.

No Spam

> Anyone got one of these units?
>
> http://www.garmin.com/products/gnc250xl/
>
> It seems to combine two very useful things (a VFR moving map GPS and a Com
> radio) into one compact unit.

Brad Zeigler

November 11th 04, 10:30 PM

"Hankal" > wrote in message
...
> >That, and the fact that I have no intention of getting my IFR ticket in
the
> >near future,
>
> WHY?

Jay's hardheaded, even though he flies a gajillion hours a year and has a
willing safety pilot whenever necessary to maintain proficiency. This topic
has been covered in the past, so don't bother, Jay won't budge.

Jay, I would suggest that you not remove avionics that would make the
airplane less worthy IFR. Godforbid you decide to move up to a Cherokee 6
and decide to sell the pathfinder, your future buyer may balk at an airplane
with only a single nav radio and a VFR GPS. Spend the extra bucks for the
IFR certified version.

Brad Z

Jay Honeck

November 11th 04, 10:42 PM

> >That, and the fact that I have no intention of getting my IFR ticket in
> >the
>>near future,
>
> WHY?

Jay (Masino) pretty well sums up my reasoning. That, and the fact that I
don't have more than 5 contiguous hours of free time in a week, decided the
issue for me.

Some day, when I'm semi-retired, I will get back into the books as a good
brain exercise. Even then I won't use the rating much -- but it'll be fun
to get.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

Jay Honeck

November 11th 04, 10:47 PM

> Jay, I would suggest that you not remove avionics that would make the
> airplane less worthy IFR. Godforbid you decide to move up to a Cherokee 6
> and decide to sell the pathfinder, your future buyer may balk at an
> airplane
> with only a single nav radio and a VFR GPS. Spend the extra bucks for the
> IFR certified version.

It would not have a single NAV radio, as my primary radio is a digital Narco
810+R.

Our plane also has dual VOR's, both with glideslope, and a backup vacuum
system. By adding the GNC 250XL I would be gaining a panel mount GPS and
digital Com, while losing an antiquated DME and analog Com radio.

I don't know too many people who would say that such a change would diminish
Atlas' value.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

Brad Zeigler

November 11th 04, 11:23 PM

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:PZRkd.396842$D%.310673@attbi_s51...
> > Jay, I would suggest that you not remove avionics that would make the
> > airplane less worthy IFR. Godforbid you decide to move up to a Cherokee
6
> > and decide to sell the pathfinder, your future buyer may balk at an
> > airplane
> > with only a single nav radio and a VFR GPS. Spend the extra bucks for
the
> > IFR certified version.
>
> It would not have a single NAV radio, as my primary radio is a digital
Narco
> 810+R.
>
> Our plane also has dual VOR's, both with glideslope, and a backup vacuum
> system. By adding the GNC 250XL I would be gaining a panel mount GPS and
> digital Com, while losing an antiquated DME and analog Com radio.
>
> I don't know too many people who would say that such a change would
diminish
> Atlas' value.

Sorry, its been a while since I read the original post. I was thinking you
had only two nav/coms, and were getting rid of one of them in favor of a VFR
GPS. DME doesn't add a tremendous value to the airplane, except maybe to
the IFR pilot who flies to airports that have DME required approaches.
They're out there. That's why an IFR gps would be preferable.

Hankal

November 12th 04, 12:31 AM

>Some day, when I'm semi-retired, I will get back into the books as a good
>brain exercise. Even then I won't use the rating much -- but it'll be fun to
get.

Jay I never wanted my IFR rating, never thought I would ever need it. Then they
offered it at local flight school and everyone said it would make me a better
pilot.
I jumped and was the oldest student there.
Also was the only one who got the rating.
Some still work at it, but unless you are dedicated it will be a waste.
I do not fly hard IMC, but do get into some weather. Have flown 2 + hours in
solid IMC with very little turbulance at a clip. Also had a controller vector
me into some nasty clouds. Due to my training and keeping current, I came out
of it without a scratch.
I would recommenf taking the IFR instructions, one never knows when you need it
in an emergency.
Hank

Rip

November 12th 04, 01:30 AM

Jay, 86K has a GNC300XL, fully IFR certified. For many reasons (database
upgradeable, resale value, etc) I think it's worth the extra money
involved for the necessary CDI and ACU. I often fly in an identical
plane with a Garmin 430, and other than the color display and sexy
approach "illustrations", I find them to be almost identical.

Jay Honeck wrote:
> Anyone got one of these units?
>
> http://www.garmin.com/products/gnc250xl/
>
> It seems to combine two very useful things (a VFR moving map GPS and a Com
> radio) into one compact unit.

Jay Honeck

November 12th 04, 04:51 AM

> I would recommenf taking the IFR instructions, one never knows when you
> need it
> in an emergency.

Not to worry, Hank. I was actually near the end of my instrument training
when we bought the hotel, and everything else in my life went on hold.

The training definitely made me a better pilot, and I'm confident that I
could get down through an overcast, if needed. And, although I haven't
practiced for a while, I could probably shoot an ILS or VOR approach, in a
pinch.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

Aaron Coolidge

November 12th 04, 04:01 PM

Jay Honeck > wrote:
: It would not have a single NAV radio, as my primary radio is a digital Narco
: 810+R.

: Our plane also has dual VOR's, both with glideslope, and a backup vacuum
: system. By adding the GNC 250XL I would be gaining a panel mount GPS and
: digital Com, while losing an antiquated DME and analog Com radio.

: I don't know too many people who would say that such a change would diminish
: Atlas' value.

If there isn't much cost difference I'd get the 300XL as it could be IFR
certifiable should the need or desire arise. It can be installed "VFR only".
As an aside, what sort of Narco DME do you have? A firend of mine flies
an Archer with 2 Nav/Com's and a Narco DME, but her DME is now broken and
not worth repairing. She flies more IFR than most anyone I know, and really
misses the DME, as our usual IFR alternate has a LOC/DME. If you decide to
get rid of the DME and its the same type as hers, which I think is a 190
DME, she'd probably be interested in acquiring it.
--
Aaron Coolidge (N9376J)