Bud_of_yours wrote:
..

Question #1. In order to get my Instrument ticket tucked safely in my
pocket do I really need to be concerned about learning GPS approches,
etc.?

If its in the plane, you have to be able to complete an approach with
it. To get your ticket you need to do 2 non precision approaches and a
precision approach. An ILS, a VOR and a LOC approach will pass the
muster on the checkride. You dont HAVE to have a GPS in the plane to get
, nor maintain an instrument rating. So your instructor is right.

That being said, you really need to do your homework and learn about the
GPS (er.. RNAV) approaches, because they are becoming more and more
widespread, while there is an active effort to decommission land based
approaches based on say.. ADF's.. If used properly you can also use the
GPS features for situational awareness while flying a land based
approaches. So again, in my opinion, your instructor is right, again.


Question #2. If I do decide to add a GPS to my panel what is the
best/least expensive way to do it. GNS 155XL? KLN-94?

A used KLN 89B can be had for less than $1000 (I have bought 2..).. same
for an older KLN-90B. Expect another AMU to get it all installed with
what it needs.. more if your CDI's aren't compatible. Based on what you
listed, it may not be (the KI-109A IS, however, but thats $$$) It would
be wise to sit down with an avionics guy of good repute, and use that as
a jumping off point.

Based on what you have listed installed, expect to either 1) buy a 2nd
CDI (GPS only, or share it with your KX-125 if you like)... 2) replace
the KI-109 with a KI-109A (AND a switching relay to switch between
showing GPS and the ILS on the CDI- pretty much a must if you share a
CDI between a GPS and a NAV) 3) also you will need to have an
annunciator display installed in the primary scan area that indicates
when passing waypoints, when an approach is active, and shows when an
approach is armed versus active.. 4) you will also need to have your
encoder tied to the GPS, or a second encoder installed, which is tied to
the GPS to give altitude data to the GPS for IFR approaches. These
tidbits are specific to the older GPS's, not the newer, more expensive
WAAS capable ones. Again, it would be wise to sit down with an avionics
guy of good repute, and use that as a jumping off point.

The early Kings (89B and 90B) arent the most capable, snazziest units,
but they get the job done. I've shot approaches on them before in
actual, and felt comfortable with the unit (but had spent MUCH time
getting used to it/comfortable with it). The moving map is small, but
still is better than NO moving map.

If you decide to upgrade, the KLN-94 has the color screen and is a
direct drop in replacement (same tray) as the KLN-89B. Some features may
require a little ADDED wiring, but if the back of the rack is
accessible, this is trivial - not much more than a few more D-sub pins
pushed into a 25 or 37 pin connector - compared to an initial install.


Good Luck
Dave

My background on this: Non-A&P, Homebuilder, installed a KLN 89B,
KX-125's, Terra Tri-Nav CDI's in an under construction Velocity, with a
goal on making it IFR capable /G. Have the install manuals on the KX-125
and KLN-89B.