yes, I see the dust forming, from the wagons being circled.  Let's clear this up, I am an IFD 440 owner too.

That said, after reading recently the thread re IFD and Gi275 nav source, and seeing the underlying reason was the STC issue, I became quite distraught.  Reason being, because this is EXACTLY what I had installed on my Aerostar.  More on that in a minute.

But, what upset me more at that time, was Avidyne Steve Lindsley's (AviSteve) response to the concerns.  I could practically hear him yawning when he said, Oh we update our STC's from time to time, like no big deal.

needless to say, I immediately called the Avionics folks that were installing my Dual GI-275 Adhars+AP setup with my IFD440.

Talking with the Avionics guy, he said when he has issues like this, he calls his FAA guy at the FSDO. 

He explained the STC installation stuff. The conversation went something like this:

Is the GI275 STC'd with the GNS430W?..YES

IS the IFD a STC slide in replacement for the GNS 430W?..YES

IS the IFD STC for KFC 200 A/P/..YES

IS the GI275 STC with KFC200 A/P..YES

Is GI275 STC to replace analog King ADI/HSI...YES

OK, heard enough. Your good to go.   This was from a FAA guy.

Now to the paint in corner.....Again, based on the Avidyne seemingly lackadaisical response, re STC;

what options does the GA pilot have.

OK show of hands who can tell me the Avidyne equivalent product of the Garmin G500/600,GI275, etc.

Thought so...there is none!

And yet when we want to update our aging analog stuff and own the IFD, we are somewhat limited, to some of the most expensive stuff, because that is on the STC.  I'm not sure about the G5 now, it's been a few years, so perhaps Avidyne added it to the STC Installation manual.

However, the GI-275 has been out over a year, superior product to the G5 IMHO...and no STC addition from Avidyne! Believe me, if Avidyne offered the equivalent PFD etal I would get that instead.

As like the GArmin setups, it would just work.  We don't have that option now.

I have some friends that are wanting to upgrade their avionics. I am always raving about my IFD. But you know what, after they do some research, the end up all Garmin. I ask why. Typically they respond the shop doesn't like to work with Avidyne, and the Gamin stuff just works and is all STC'd.

I wonder how many sales Avidyne has lost, due to this STC stuff.  Yes, I understand it costs money. I installed some intercoolers on my Aerostar, the STC document cost more than the intercoolers!

I get it. But how much money are you saving, when you loose sales and customers. Let's say several have installed the GI-275, want an IFD due to it's superior features.  Sorry no can do, Avidyne hasn't updated their STC installation for the GI-275.  For a couple thousand more, we can install a Garmin for ya.

My install is done. Is it working properly, not at this time. I have some issues. Could just be simply operator error.

Hopefully, maybe some of the info above will help others at the Avionics shop.

Hopefully, this will also spark some interest to let Avidyne know we would appreciate the STC sooner than later on the GI-275 IFD Nav Source.

Rant Over.   

Fly Safe

David

I heard some exciting news though... Avidyne will have a major new product introduced at OshKosh!! I am hopeful that this will give us an Avidyne option for the GI275AI. Don’t know any specifics , just hopeful!

This "My daddy can beat up your daddy" stuff certainly doesn't help the GA folks

David

I contacted a highly recommended local avionics shop about a dual GI-275 installation to go with my IFD 540 and Century III autopilot.

I was told that their FSDO would insist on a field approval and that the FSDO was too busy to do field approvals.

I was also told that the shop was CONFIDENT that the GI-275’s would work just fine with my IFD 540 and Century III.

Compatibility with equipment from other manufacturers is one of the factors that drove my decision to purchase the IFD 540. I don’t know how hard it is for Avidyne to get this combination added to their STC but it is very desirable.

I can’t even consider a G5 unless I want to purchase a new autopilot. Same issue with the G500TXi.

So I’m on hold which is unfortunate.