RV-8 with rear seat G3X

[humptybump]

Originally Posted by jonweisw

my only real issue with the G3X/GTN650 combination - that flight planning for IFR plans has to be done on the small GTN650 screen as opposed to the the larger G3X and then pushed into the GTN.

This is where the "total Garmin echo system" has an advantage. You can flightplan with Garmin Pilot on your tablet (or phone) and then "push" it to the GTN via the G3X Touch. You still make enroute changes via the GTN but the initial flightplan can originate from the tablet.

[jonweisw]

I find that, even though I get advisories on expected routing in advance, there is enough variability in what I am actually assigned from Clearance delivery (im in the NYC metro area) that it doesn't make sense to preload the GPS with a clearance from a tablet, hence the manual input. Also, the G3X does NOT do victor airways... a major shortcoming in terms of flight planning.

[Carl Froehlich]

Originally Posted by humptybump

This is where the "total Garmin echo system" has an advantage. You can flightplan with Garmin Pilot on your tablet (or phone) and then "push" it to the GTN via the G3X Touch. You still make enroute changes via the GTN but the initial flightplan can originate from the tablet.

Or go with the Avidyne IFD540 instead of the GTN-650. They are about the same price. I have five years flying IFR with the GTN-650 but will use the IFD540 in the new RV-8 project. The user interface is built in and you get a real display.

Carl

[RVbySDI]

Originally Posted by YvesCH

Looks great! How is the space to enter the rear seat? I am also installing a G3X in the back seat but I cut out some space for the knees to slide in.

Yves,
Have you considered the issue of flesh covered bony appendages coming into contact with the edges of the rear panel? I cannot tell from your pics exactly, but it sure looks like some sharp edges on that aluminum. It could be just the pics but if those are sharp edges on the panel you might want to consider something to protect the passengers legs from those edges.

[humptybump]

Originally Posted by Carl Froehlich

Or go with the Avidyne IFD540 instead of the GTN-650.

size-wise, the GTN-750 matches up to the IFD540 but the challenge in the tandems is the available panel real estate when there are two screens already.

Originally Posted by jonweisw

the G3X does NOT do victor airways...

This is another "nicety" if you use Garmin Pilot. It handles clearances with airways.

That said, enroute changes are still a lot of button pressing with the GTN.

[Carl Froehlich]

Originally Posted by humptybump

size-wise, the GTN-750 matches up to the IFD540 but the challenge in the tandems is the available panel real estate when there are two screens already.

The stock RV-8 panel will accommodate the IFD540, one 10" SkyView, one 7" SkyView, Audio Panel, COMM #2, Autopilot Panel, Knob Panel, associated breakers and has room left over for a 3 1/8" analog airspeed instrument.

Carl

[humptybump]

Originally Posted by Carl Froehlich

The stock RV-8 panel will accommodate the IFD540, one 10" SkyView, one 7" SkyView, Audio Panel, COMM #2, Autopilot Panel, Knob Panel, associated breakers and has room left over for a 3 1/8" analog airspeed instrument.

The compact avionics from Dynon do enable some very functional panel designs.

[Chkaharyer99]

Originally Posted by YvesCH

I checked it with the Garmin guys before I bought my GDU450 for the rear seat and it will be set up as PFD #2. So it should be possible to change the radio, transponder and autopilot from the rear seat. Only the NAV frequencies won`t be accessible from the rear seat. This was the reason I bought the GDU for the rear seat instead of a IPad with the Garmin Connext Data.

I hope everything will work as planned as I did not yet have done the "smoke test"....

Thank you!

[Walt]

Originally Posted by jonweisw

I find that, even though I get advisories on expected routing in advance, there is enough variability in what I am actually assigned from Clearance delivery (im in the NYC metro area) that it doesn't make sense to preload the GPS with a clearance from a tablet, hence the manual input. Also, the G3X does NOT do victor airways... a major shortcoming in terms of flight planning.

You can't load victor airways on the G3X (it does show them) but the GTN units do, and curious why would you be using an airway without the IFR navigator?

[jonweisw]

I flight plan in the GTN650, which is IFR certified. I set the G3X for external GPS (so that it is keying off the GTN). I do not use the G3x for any flight planning per se.