IFR GPS certification

We're based at KIWS (West Houston).

In my ignorance I was hoping to get into an IFR GPS at the low end. It
appears that the low end is still above my top end. I'd love to have a 430,
480, 530, etc.. but just can't justify the cost in a Warrior. We're in the
middle of doing paint, interior and coming up quickly on annual. I can't
spend that much more money on the GPS now. Some of the P&I will come back
in the resale but the avionics won't.

A portable is looking pretty tempting right now.

Ed


"Helen Woods" wrote in message
...
Where are you based at? Maybe we can help you find a better priced shop. I
saved a couple thousand on my 530 by shopping around.

Also, check e-bay. The used boxes don't have a Garmin warrenty but there
are a good number of 430s floating around with people upgrading to either
530s or 480s.

And in answer to your question, an IFR GPS does cost an arm and a leg.
Expect to sell a few more body parts too to pay for the database
subscription that makes it legal.

Helen

"nobody" wrote in message
. com...
We're based at KIWS (West Houston).

In my ignorance I was hoping to get into an IFR GPS at the low end. It
appears that the low end is still above my top end. I'd love to have a
430, 480, 530, etc.. but just can't justify the cost in a Warrior. We're
in the middle of doing paint, interior and coming up quickly on annual. I
can't spend that much more money on the GPS now. Some of the P&I will
come back in the resale but the avionics won't.

A portable is looking pretty tempting right now.

Ed



Do you fly much real IMC in the warrior? Do you go places where a GPS
approach is the most precise approach available? What AP do you have?

Where I am going is that if it is really going to make a safety difference,
then buy the 430. Otherwise, I would say go with the portable. Personally,
I would be okay doing a VFR approach into 1000 foot minimums with a portable
backing up a basic IFR certified stack. I would rather not do a non
precision without any GPS at all. Even in the flatlands of Houston. I just
don't practice enough without one because my old plane really was GPS
dependent. My new one is less so, but I am considering a 430 or even a 530
add on.

We have an STEC 30 coupled to HDG/NAV1/NAV2/GPS. The current GPS is a
Magellan SkyNav 5000 and its a great little box but I can't get updates for
it anymore. The DB is at least 2 years old. Its really a hassle to use
without the current data.. Basically good for airports and groundspeed
only.

No, I don't fly real IMC but I'd like to. I'd feel safer with a certified
GPS and moving map. KIWS's NDB has been notam'd OTS for about 2.5 months
now and rumor has it that its not coming back. We're expecting a new GPS
approach. That leaves us with just the VOR D circle to land approach.

Eddie

Buy the unit and have it installed as VFR. When you get the extra
bucks, add pieces until you have everything that you need. The other
alternative is to check and see whether or not you'll need an
annunciator and switching panel if you use a Garmin 430. If you don't
need these items it may be more cost effective to go with the 430.


On Fri, 25 Feb 2005 04:23:56 GMT, "nobody" wrote:

We're based at KIWS (West Houston).

In my ignorance I was hoping to get into an IFR GPS at the low end. It
appears that the low end is still above my top end. I'd love to have a 430,
480, 530, etc.. but just can't justify the cost in a Warrior. We're in the
middle of doing paint, interior and coming up quickly on annual. I can't
spend that much more money on the GPS now. Some of the P&I will come back
in the resale but the avionics won't.

A portable is looking pretty tempting right now.

Ed


"Helen Woods" wrote in message
...
Where are you based at? Maybe we can help you find a better priced shop. I
saved a couple thousand on my 530 by shopping around.

Also, check e-bay. The used boxes don't have a Garmin warrenty but there
are a good number of 430s floating around with people upgrading to either
530s or 480s.

And in answer to your question, an IFR GPS does cost an arm and a leg.
Expect to sell a few more body parts too to pay for the database
subscription that makes it legal.

Helen