My order of preference would be
IFR GPS
Autopilot
HSI

And an HSI without slaving lacks one of its better features.
Consider that an autopilot, if ALL ELECTRIC, will give you much safety
in IMC. You loose your vacuum, you still have autopilot. Autopilot is
nice for VFR also, as is a panel mount GPS.

All these gadgets need maintenance.

Dave Butler wrote in message ...
Please excuse the hijacking of this religious/political forum to raise a
question about flying.

My partners and I are faced with a decision. What would you do?

We plan to update our outdated panel with a GNS480. The CDIs currently installed
are not compatible with the GNS480, so one of them will be replaced.

We could replace the existing CDI with a compatible one for $2000.

We could install a non-slaved NSD360 HSI instead for $3500.

If we install the HSI, the no-longer-used CDI hole can be used for the electric
AI that's been waaaay over on the other side of the panel.

I think I know what we will do (go for the HSI), but I'm collecting opinions.

Is the NSD360 likely to become a maintenance headache?

In the electronic age, does it make sense to install an electromechanical aid to
situational awareness?

Thanks,

Dave