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KELLI GIRL gets IFR and ADS-B Out
Kelli and I lost out on one too many trips due to the weather. When I told Kelli I was cancelling an upcoming cross country because the forecast was just too iffy, she pronounced a new set of priorities for her airplane and her pilot (me): Get the IFR mod and ticket. Here we go...
I originally built KELLI GIRL with an all-SkyView VFR configuration: ![]() ![]() Walt Aranow of EXP Aircraft Service at my home field (NW Regional, 52F) does fantastic panel work, so I hired him for the 2-week job. We moved some switches around, removed the PAR100EX radio/intercom and the SkyView radio, and replaced them with: Garmin GTN-650 (WAAS GPS, VOR/LOC/ILS, VHF comm radio, GPS source for ADS-B out) Garmin GTR-200 (VHF comm radio) Garmin GMA-245 (intercom with BlueTooth phone and music) Dynon SkyView Autopilot Control Panel (enables all pitch/roll autopilot modes without having to dig around in the sub-menus) The work begins... First he removed the 10" SkyView displays (to create work space) and cut a big square section out of the center panel: ![]() He then extended the hole forward into the sub-panel to accommodate the GTN-650's extended length: ![]() Walt worked with Stein at SteinAir to create a cover plate that'll cover the big center hole while accommodating the trays for the GTN, GMA, GTR, and Autopilot control panel: ![]() ![]() Almost everything plugged in and working. The Dynon Autopilot control panel was a late arrival, but all else worked. Note also the row of small toggles across the top center: They are for my boost pump and exterior lights. I like using the small toggles, and they're possible thanks to my VPX Vertical Power Pro: ![]() Oh, and Dynon's heated pitot/AOA: ![]() All wired, connected, labeled, holes filled, ready to fly: ![]() ...and the panel has already proved itself, as I have now already met the 40+ hours of IFR training under CFII Matthew Hood (Positive Rate LLC). ![]() Note: How can you tell if you have a real hard-a$$ CFII? Foggles...in the cloud! (Actually, Matt is a fantastic instructor. Knows his stuff, entertaining, has a knack for finding your limits then ratcheting back a notch so LEARNING still occurs. I definitely picked the right guy, and I strongly recommend him for your IFR training). If I can just get on my examiner's schedule, I'll have the IFR ticket done. Cheers, hats off, and three Sierra Hotels to: - Walt Aranow at EXP...you really do great work, my friend. - Stein, for the perfectly fitting panel plate. - Matt Hood, for running me through the ringer. The check-ride CAN'T be THAT tough. I'm ready. |
Congrats!
Sid, great news......for both you and the plane;)
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What did you do for ADSB-out? And -in?
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Congrats! I want an airplane that capable some day...
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Quote:
I have had ADSB-IN with the Skyview ADSB receiver, although I did take advantage of Dynon's trade-in offer for the new dual-band receiver. ADSB-OUT: I have also already carried the Skyview Mode-S transponder, which will send the OUT signal if it has a WAAS GPS position available. The GTN650 provides the WAAS GPS info. |
AWESOME upgrade!!
:cool: |
Sounds like you'll
Have the ifr check in time for Oshkosh. Good luck |
Great upgrade report!
You will really enjoy the extra capability, Sid, not just on "fer-shor" solid IFR days, but on those days when it's kinda scuzzy marginal VFR-ish...I was losing more than a few trips due to those conditions, frankly.
It's soooo nice to be able to punch thru a layer at 1200' AGL, get on top at 4000 and not worry about obstacles, terrain, etc. I think the IFR workload is much less than trying to scud run...less stressful, too. If you don't have one, be looking for B&C to put their vacuum pad backup alternator on sale...great unit, and I picked one up at a discount during last years OSH event. Fly safe, Rob |
I make sure to state ominously whenever our plans (in the cherokee) have to be altered due to weather and lack of optimal nav gear... you are lucky she bit!
Congrats! I think instrument is the toughest ride but it sure seems like you are ready! |
Awesome dash! Well done......:)
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