randylervold
moderator
For those who have been interested in more detailed info on the features of the new AF-3400/3500 it looks like Rob has just given his web site a makeover with more info, check it out... www.advanced-flight-systems.com. There are now detailed screen shots, a feature comparison with Dynon, and updated manual posted on the support page.
I stopped by and talked to Rob recently for some support questions on my installation and found out that they have now shipped over 90 units and are slowly ramping up production as processes develop. It's easy to see why their out of box reliability is so good: 100% of all subassemblies are tested and verified before they go into a unit. Then the units have every single function tested/verified and calibrated on some very expensive test equipment. Slow, but a real confidence builder for someone who will be flying behind it. This is why they still have a backlog of orders, they can only make so many with all the verification and calibration.
As I work through the installation of my AF-3500 (pic here) I am still discovering features and capabilities I didn't know it had... what a cool box! It's amazing how well this stuff works such as even small things like the electronic slip/skid indicator.. absolutely accurate and lifelike. I can only imagine how valuable and cool the data acquisition will be... grab the SD card out of the slot after any flight and head home to view/analyze almost everything about the flight including exactly what my engine was doing. Wow!
Lastly, just a note for those deciding on which EFIS system to get, don't overlook the "Sport" version of the AF-3400/3500 (pic here). It is the full engine monitor and all air data functions, just no artificial horizon (AHRS). That means you won't need a conventional airspeed indicator, altimeter, or VSI. Frankly, for most VFR pilots, this is all you need. Going this way takes the cost WAY down and it is upgradable to AHRS down the road. They don't publish any upgrade prices yet but I'm told they will. Essentially, for ~$3,700 including all sensors you can get a full system of everything you need including optional AOA. Add an autopilot (for both convenience and as a butt-saver for low visibility) and a Garmin 396/496 and you've got one helluva panel for under ten grand! Builders on a more constrained budget should take a serious look at this.
I stopped by and talked to Rob recently for some support questions on my installation and found out that they have now shipped over 90 units and are slowly ramping up production as processes develop. It's easy to see why their out of box reliability is so good: 100% of all subassemblies are tested and verified before they go into a unit. Then the units have every single function tested/verified and calibrated on some very expensive test equipment. Slow, but a real confidence builder for someone who will be flying behind it. This is why they still have a backlog of orders, they can only make so many with all the verification and calibration.
As I work through the installation of my AF-3500 (pic here) I am still discovering features and capabilities I didn't know it had... what a cool box! It's amazing how well this stuff works such as even small things like the electronic slip/skid indicator.. absolutely accurate and lifelike. I can only imagine how valuable and cool the data acquisition will be... grab the SD card out of the slot after any flight and head home to view/analyze almost everything about the flight including exactly what my engine was doing. Wow!
Lastly, just a note for those deciding on which EFIS system to get, don't overlook the "Sport" version of the AF-3400/3500 (pic here). It is the full engine monitor and all air data functions, just no artificial horizon (AHRS). That means you won't need a conventional airspeed indicator, altimeter, or VSI. Frankly, for most VFR pilots, this is all you need. Going this way takes the cost WAY down and it is upgradable to AHRS down the road. They don't publish any upgrade prices yet but I'm told they will. Essentially, for ~$3,700 including all sensors you can get a full system of everything you need including optional AOA. Add an autopilot (for both convenience and as a butt-saver for low visibility) and a Garmin 396/496 and you've got one helluva panel for under ten grand! Builders on a more constrained budget should take a serious look at this.
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