WAAS GPS for IFR Approaches

[N804RV]

Here's my take on this: Frequently, I'm stuck waiting for a marine layer to burn off. I only plan to file IFR to get out. I'd prefer to launch knowing I'm heading into VFR at my destination. I'm just not brave enough to fly to a destination that is likely to be IFR on my arrival.

It seems to me an non-WAAS GNS 430 is still gonna have a lot of life left in it for the foreseeable future. And, non-precision RNAV approaches are perfectly fine for the kinda flying I plan on doing. I have a KX-155/GS, KI-209, and MKR BCN that will be kept separate from my EFIS and GPS. And I'll use Skyview stuff for ADS-B out compliance.

Wondering what other builders' thoughts are.

[lr172]

Originally Posted by Bubblehead

Are current databases available for the KLN 90B? It is a discontinued product.

I did my IFR training with a KLN-90B tied into my HXr. It works well and King still offers updates for about the same cost as Jepp does for the 430. The UI is a bit less intuitive than the Garmin but not difficult to master. The moving map is useless, but unnecessary with a good EFIS. I also had an SL-30 tied into the HXr for VOR and ILS work.

I ultimately traded up to a 430W as I really like the LPV approaches and their availability.

Larry

[DGlaeser]

Originally Posted by Bubblehead

An indicator separate from than the EFIS?

Using the EFIS for your CDI is just fine. You will need an ARINC 429 module if you don't already have one.

NOTE: if you go with a Non-WAAS unit, you will also need a VOR/ILS receiver in addition to your GPS to be legal IFR (the rule change is that either your destination or alternate has to have a ground based approach - used to be just the alternate)

[jrs14855]

I have been using the Garmin 430 for almost 20 years now, 430W for close to 10. I know most of the pitfalls but don't know the issues of connecting a Garmin or a King to a non certified EFIS. I don't think the King will connect to the EFIS but don't know for sure. We are just going thru this with a straight Garmin 400 which was converted to 400W but the connection to the steam Flight Director has turned out to be a real pain.
I was just trying to point out to the OP that there are quite inexpensive non WAAS systems that are still viable.
Personally I am holding out for a 430 connected to Dynon EFIS.
As for the stand alone I think there are quite a few EAB folks flying in the system with just GPS for nav.
Will a hand held VOR receiver make you legal??

[lr172]

Originally Posted by jrs14855

I I don't think the King will connect to the EFIS but don't know for sure.

The KLN-90B uses standard ARINC sentences and will connect to most EFIS' that have an ARINC interface. I successfully had one connected to both a Dynon D100 and a GRT HX. Complete functionality including baro and TAS to the KLN-90.

Larry

[jrs14855]

Partsforplanes.com lists five units at $1095, seems to be just the box, no extras. I have seen these as low as $900 on ebay

[flyinga]

As for the stand alone I think there are quite a few EAB folks flying in the system with just GPS for nav.
Will a hand held VOR receiver make you legal??

VOR not required. As far as I know, nothing "handheld" qualifies for "required equipment."

[BobTurner]

Originally Posted by flyinga

As for the stand alone I think there are quite a few EAB folks flying in the system with just GPS for nav.
Will a hand held VOR receiver make you legal??

VOR not required. As far as I know, nothing "handheld" qualifies for "required equipment."

I think the poster was referring to non-WAAS GPS boxes which require that you be able to shoot a non-GPS approach at either the destination or alternate. If it's an EAB, tape the handheld to the panel and call it installed.

[Dreamin9]

The OP said " is that you need a WAAS certified GPS radio (e.g. GNS 430W, or GTN 650) to interface with the EFIS in order to shoot a "legal" GPS approach with vertical guidance. "

You can save a lot of $$ with a GTN 625, WAAS and TSO'd.

[jrs14855]

This whole thing got a bit distorted. I was just trying to point out to the op that the 90B is a relatively cheap approach certified GPS if you can live without the glide slope. I did not know if the 90B would connect with a non certified EFIS. Apparently it can.
Someone else commented that an alternate means of navigation is required to be legal for IFR. I asked if a handheld Comm/nav/ils would meet that requirement.
In the last 11 months there have been two incidents of total electrical failure in twin turboprops. One made a safe off airport landing. The other lost control and crashed fatally. If I have a total electrical failure in IMC I don't much care at that point whether my portable EFIS, handheld comm and handheld GPS are legal or not. I am fully prepared to make a GPS approach to 100' if necessary using a handheld GPS in that EMERGENCY situation. I prepare for it as completely as possible and hope it never happens.