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-   -   Convert VFR aircraft to IFR (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=171042)

HBpilot 04-28-2019 06:27 PM

Convert VFR aircraft to IFR
 
With a Dynon D-180, a non ADS-B compliant transponder, no other instruments installed, what would it take to modify it, to make it ifr capable ?
Only looking for enroute IFR flying in Florida, nothing less than 1000ft ceiling.
I was not the builder on that RV so I cannot do the work, any estimate on time and cost, to do such modification ?
Thanks

bkervaski 04-28-2019 06:35 PM

A Garmin GNX 375 will do it, $8,000. Install would depend on how much work needs to go into mounting it in your panel but it just needs a coax connection to its antenna which is an easy install ... it's the panel mounting that would be the big question mark.

The only thing that makes it IFR is a certified navigator and the pilot rating.

Also consider spending $1200 on a Garmin G5 as a backup instrument, easy install. The G5 will give you a 4 hour safety net in the case all your gear fails in the muck.

RV10Pilot 04-28-2019 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HBpilot (Post 1342903)
With a Dynon D-180, a non ADS-B compliant transponder, no other instruments installed, what would it take to modify it, to make it ifr capable ?
Only looking for enroute IFR flying in Florida, nothing less than 1000ft ceiling.
I was not the builder on that RV so I cannot do the work, any estimate on time and cost, to do such modification ?
Thanks

Do you have a Comm radio? The GTN635 does not have a comm nor do my options.

A Garmin GTN 375 will give you IFR GPS navigation and an ADS-B compliant transponder in one box at $8K
A GPS 175 will give you a GPS navigator, slightly smaller form factor than the 625 for $5K.

BobTurner 04-28-2019 07:12 PM

1. Anyone, including you, may work on an EAB. You can?t do the annual condx inspection.
2. ADSB has nothing to do with ifr. If you?re staying below 10,000?, not over the gulf, not in class B or C, you don?t have to have it.
3. Do you really mean enroute only? Then get a VOR (maybe a used SL30) and you?re done. For more flexibilty add a non-WAAS 400/430.
4. For backup get a GRT, Dynon, or Garmin mini-EFIS with built-in backup battery.

Pilot135pd 04-28-2019 07:36 PM

A real inexpensive alternative is a VAL INS429. It'll give you not only VORs for enroute but also ILS and VOR approach capability all in one small package. You'll also need a heated pitot tube.

https://www.valavionics.com/ins-429.html

You're in Ocala and there's an electronic genius who's close to you in KSGJ and loves everything aviation. He's http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...er.php?u=11983

I suggest you talk to him, he'll give you great advice.

Timberwolf 04-29-2019 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV10Pilot (Post 1342914)
Do you have a Comm radio? The GTN635 does not have a comm nor do my options.

A Garmin GTN 375 will give you IFR GPS navigation and an ADS-B compliant transponder in one box at $8K
A GPS 175 will give you a GPS navigator, slightly smaller form factor than the 625 for $5K.

The 635 does have a comm radio... the 625 does not.

Just because you didn't build it does not mean that you cannot do the work. Sounds like this might be out a bit outside of your wheelhouse so would second the opinion of asking Jesse Saint to get you hooked up.

HBpilot 04-29-2019 06:10 AM

Thank you all for all your great advice. Ideally a the GTN375 sounds perfect.
I do have a radio available but wouldn't mind a backup. And this would take care of the ADS-B.
On the other hand, a VOR/ILS solution might just do it. As I mentioned, I only want to be able to file IFR for enroute. I am not interested to do low ceiling approaches in a single engine. I'd rather drive on those days.

One more question...How do you feel about using the synthetic horizon from foreflight with a stratus as a backup for enroute IFR ? Again, for Florida flying and no low ceiling.
I figure, it would most likely give me enough time to get out of the clouds, and cancel IFR at that point if something happens.
I am asking this question more out of ignorance than trying to be smart. I have lots of IFR experience, just not much in a piston single engine. Just trying to learn from all of you.

Once again, thanks for your help.

FlyingBanker 04-29-2019 06:19 AM

You didn?t mention having a heated pitot, but I believe you would need that for legal IFR.

HBpilot 04-29-2019 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingBanker (Post 1342973)
You didn?t mention having a heated pitot, but I believe you would need that for legal IFR.

Thanks for reminding me. I actually wanted to ask if that would be a major job ?

ka6dan 04-29-2019 06:46 AM

Go talk to Jessy Saint at X35 Dunnellon. He can give great advice and most likely provide installation guidance


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