Since I began lurking on this forum a few months ago, I have been impressed by how Avidyne acknowledges the combined wisdom of their customers by monitoring the feedback offered on this forum, and incorporating good ideas into future releases. Avidyne's demonstrated commitment to continuous product improvement was one of the reasons I went for A over G. 

But, I have not seen any attempt by Avidyne to seek their customers help in marketing their superior products. It is not enough to build a better product. If you simply build it, they will not come. Pilots and their purchasing advisors (avionics dealers). What's more, the entities with the money to complete major avionics upgrades, Businesses with planes, rely heavily on the advise of their local avionics shops. 

I will throw out the first suggestion. If it were my company, I'd install a GTN, an IFD, and an Airgizmo Mini iPad mont into a plane that doesn't handle turbulence well. And, I would send a representative around the country to the major avionics installers to demonstrate why A is better than G. I'd leave those dealers with a display that included an iPad running IFD simulation software and product demonstration videos. This may have been done before. But, if so, I don't think anybody stopped into Autopilots Central.

I took a lot of grief from folks years ago, when I posted about the "upcoming" IFDs. Shouts of "vaporware" and the like. Happily, my patience was rewarded in spades. I made the right decision. I don't mind helping others study the various alternatives, and make their right choice as well.

Full size IFDs running in demo mode is important as well, at key locations. There is nothing like having a bit of kit staring you in the face, enticing your fingers to do some walking, as you wait for service at the avionics counter.

I think that most dealers would be happy to see some competition for their shelf space. 

* Orest

policies of being customer friendly. By this I mean that the participation of the customer

cuts in to the dealer return visits($$$). The great avionics install and update mystery

is unveiled.  The customer has input and if interested can participate in installs and updates.

Happy Skies,

Old Bob

David, 

 my original Avidyne sales contract lists a price of $ 7,995 for TAWS=B enablement.

* Orest

That nearly eight thousand bucks list price is what got me to pop for the TAWS-B for only a grand in the first place.  May have been a sucker deal, but I just can't pass up that big a discount. 

Sucker Born every minute? <G>

Happy Skies,

Old Bob

What I meant to infer is that I am certain that there are several successful entrepreneurs and business executives, maybe even marketing executives, included in the ranks of happy Avidyne customers. Let's face it, we are some of the only people who can afford to own planes and pump money into the panel. Why not draw on the group member's marketing acumen to look for free input in an area where Avidyne is struggling, creating demand for their superior products?

It seems to me that Avidyne is doing a somewhat satisfactory job of educating the end users through advertising in journals, etc. But, judging from my own recent shopping experience, I would like to see more content on Youtube demonstrating the product in action, and educating new and potential customers. A video Pilot's Guide would be ideal. Third party testimonials should be included in every release. Also, a database of customers from around the country who would be happy to show the installed product to potential buyers would be helpful. Put my name on that list.

But, in my acknowledged limited experience, Avidyne seems to be struggling at the dealer level. Again, my polling sample size consists of precisely one dealer, so I could be completely off base. But, I was astonished to find that such a large avionics shop as Autopilots Central was all but ignorant of the Avidyne IFD's. 

Again, I'm betting that there are some great ideas to be found in this group.