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I was a very happy owner of a Piper Saratoga with dual G5’s, GFC500 and IFD550 for several years. I believe I was one of the first IFD550 adopters. Loved loved loved everything about the IFD’s. Totally aware of the the VNAV AP limitation and that nuisance didn’t bother me.
Now I’m starting over. In April of this year I had a catastrophic engine failure in the Toga and lost the plane, but thankfully walked away without injury.
Just a few days ago I finalized the purchase of a 1969 Aztec D that I’m very happy about (2 engines! Yeah!)
Current panel is vacuum instruments with dual 430W. Avidyne FlightMaxEX500 MFD, GTX327 transponder (2 currrently). GMA 340 audio panel. DME over the primary instruments (that has to go). Currently jpi 760. Stec 60-2 AP. It has a bendix weather radar that displays on the avidyne MFD.
My initial thoughts are glass for primary (dual gi275 or G500 TXI with gi275 backup.
GPS…. I have loved my IFD550 as I’m intimately familiar with its interface. I hate the slow and dated function of the 430/530 units. I’ve had a taste of the good life and have no interest in going backwards. Right now I’m leaning towards a 750TXI simply for compatibility reasons as I will likely replace the Stec with a GFC600 whenever it becomes certified for the Aztec (it’s on the 12 month list). I am considering going Garmin EIS as well.
My questions are how does GFC600 interface compare to the GFC500? Same VNAV limitation? Any other gotchas?
I guess I’m asking if anyone can convince me to stick with an IFD over the GTN. I’m probably not a hard sell as I have absolutely loved my IFD550. I just know my shop is going to give me a solid WTF? when I want an all G panel except for the GPS.
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Brent
PA32-301
IFD550 / AXP322 / SkyTrax100 / Dual G5's / GFC 500 / JPI 830
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