Looking to switch from VFR to IFR

AttackPilot64 · #1 11-14-2015, 05:33 PM

My plane is currently certified VFR and I now want to certify it IFR CAPABLE I was looking for some insight i currently have a simple VFR PANEL and want to know the cheapest way to cert IFR. I don't plan on flying in the clouds much but it's nice to get "on top" when there's a layer. I mainly want gps since I currenty have THE DYNON sky-view system with full 2 axis autopilot to fly with ( I understand it's not "legal "per say ) but I'm very comfortable with it. Does anyone have any cost effective ways to be a legal /G ? Thanks in advance

Sam Buchanan · #2 11-14-2015, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AttackPilot64

My plane is currently certified VFR and I now want to certify it IFR CAPABLE I was looking for some insight i currently have a simple VFR PANEL and want to know the cheapest way to cert IFR. I don't plan on flying in the clouds much but it's nice to get "on top" when there's a layer. I mainly want gps since I currenty have THE DYNON sky-view system with full 2 axis autopilot to fly with ( I understand it's not "legal "per say ) but I'm very comfortable with it. Does anyone have any cost effective ways to be a legal /G ? Thanks in advance

Robert, you will no doubt receive many detailed replies to your inquiry, but let me get this started by painting with a broad brush and stating there is no regulatory path for "certifying" your RV for IFR. Please reference FAR 91.205 per your Operating Limitations to see a list of items you need for IFR operations. It is up to the pilot to assure equipment necessary to complete the IFR flight is in the aircraft. The equipment needed will depend on the procedures flown and your tolerance for redundancy. Sounds like you have a good start with the Dynon system already installed.

The only "certification" required is the transponder/encoder/pitot/static sign-off.

n82rb · #3 11-14-2015, 06:48 PM

sam hit the legalities for the aircraft. to file /G you must have a nav unit that meets the TSO for /g ops. like a garmin 530 or the newer units like the 650.

bob burns
N82RB RV-4

RV6_flyer · #4 11-14-2015, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n82rb

sam hit the legalities for the aircraft. to file /G you must have a nav unit that meets the TSO for /g ops. like a garmin 530 or the newer units like the 650.

bob burns
N82RB RV-4

The /G is ANY TSO GPS that meets the approach requirements. The older (15-year old) unit I have meets the TSO for /G but requires that I also have a VOR which I have. Now you do need one of the newer GPS units what is TSO'ed with WAAS for GPS precision approaches but the older TSO Non-Precision approach GPS units will allow you to file /G.

rleffler · #5 11-15-2015, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV6_flyer

The /G is ANY TSO GPS that meets the approach requirements. The older (15-year old) unit I have meets the TSO for /G but requires that I also have a VOR which I have. Now you do need one of the newer GPS units what is TSO'ed with WAAS for GPS precision approaches but the older TSO Non-Precision approach GPS units will allow you to file /G.

Gary hit the nail on the head! You can be legal for IFR, which much less capability in you're installed equipment. Not knowing what's in your panel today, you may very well be legal today. With that said, being legal, being capable of flying your mission types, and being safe are all different topics that you will need to take into consideration.

If you're not IFR rated today, these may be questions that you haven't yet acquired the skill set to answer yet. Of course you can solicit opinions of trusted advisors, but the answers really need to come from you. You are going to find that feedback on VAF will range from minimalists with basic, but legal instrumentation to those that have quadruple redundancy in everything. You need to determine what your budget and personal safety limits are to determine the appropriate place on that curve when you are flying in IMC.

There are other vendors that offer products that meet these requirements other than Garmin. Had the Avidyne unit been available when I purchased my avionics, I don't think I would have purchased the gtn-650.

catmandu · #6 11-15-2015, 09:54 AM

I just went through this myself, similar thinking on what my actual IMC mission requirements were, similar panel setup (GRT). There is no cost effective way to go /G. I decided for myself that spending $200 on an IFR pitot static check and swapping my KX-125 for a GNC255 was the way to go, until the kids are out of college, anyway. Putting VFR GPS in the remarks section gets you most of the /G en route handling benefits.

n82rb · #7 11-15-2015, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV6_flyer

The /G is ANY TSO GPS that meets the approach requirements. The older (15-year old) unit I have meets the TSO for /G but requires that I also have a VOR which I have. Now you do need one of the newer GPS units what is TSO'ed with WAAS for GPS precision approaches but the older TSO Non-Precision approach GPS units will allow you to file /G.

also true, but some older units are no longer supported for database updates, which limits, or in some cases, eliminates, there usefulness as an IFR unit. for useful IFR ops as /g you need something that is at least non-precision approach certified. the older units that were approved for enroute IFR will not help much anymore as more and more VOR, and NDB approaches are eliminated and replaced by GPS approaches.

my post was to point out that any unit that is used in /g must meet a tso for /g.

bob burns

Davedubb · #8 11-15-2015, 10:51 AM

Because you already have a Dynon SkyView I suggest you call Kirk at Dynon. He can help you make the right decision as he is a CFII and has great knowledge on what would be required to fly IFR legally with the SkyView. Just call (425) 402-0433 and ask for Kirk.

Jesse · #9 11-15-2015, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AttackPilot64

My plane is currently certified VFR and I now want to certify it IFR CAPABLE I was looking for some insight i currently have a simple VFR PANEL and want to know the cheapest way to cert IFR. I don't plan on flying in the clouds much but it's nice to get "on top" when there's a layer. I mainly want gps since I currenty have THE DYNON sky-view system with full 2 axis autopilot to fly with ( I understand it's not "legal "per say ) but I'm very comfortable with it. Does anyone have any cost effective ways to be a legal /G ? Thanks in advance

Give me a call and I can talk over the different options.

lr172 · #10 11-15-2015, 01:46 PM

I set my 6A up for IFR. I used an SL-30 for COM/NAV (expensive) and also got a KLN-90B (IFR Approach certified for non-precision) for $800. Both tie into my Dynon HS-34 and I use my D-100 for the Indicator/OBS.

I plan to get my IFR ticket in my 6A next spring, if I can ever figure out how to trim the pitch on this plane to fly level hands off without the autopilot :-) The electric trim is SO sensitive.

Larry