VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics

  #1  
Old 04-28-2019, 06:27 PM
HBpilot HBpilot is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ocala, FL
Posts: 76
Default 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
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 04-28-2019, 06:35 PM
bkervaski's Avatar
bkervaski bkervaski is online now
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Posts: 1,645
Default

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.
__________________
RV-14A #140376
N196 (Flying)
2019 Bronze Lindy

Last edited by bkervaski : 04-29-2019 at 06:34 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 04-28-2019, 07:06 PM
RV10Pilot RV10Pilot is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Medford, NJ USA
Posts: 283
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by HBpilot View Post
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.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 04-28-2019, 07:12 PM
BobTurner BobTurner is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Livermore, CA
Posts: 6,797
Default

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.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 04-28-2019, 07:36 PM
Pilot135pd's Avatar
Pilot135pd Pilot135pd is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Vaca Moo Airport - TA37 in East TEXAS
Posts: 1,331
Default

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.
__________________
RV-8 N52VM: OnSpeed Gen2 AOA-3D, Dynon D-180, Autopilot, Titan 0-360A1A, Hartzell C/S, INS-429 IFR & GPS496, WingX & Stratux for backup & ADS-B IN. Enjoying life while building an airpark with FREE campsite for pilots www.facebook.com/VacaMooAirport/

Exempt by 3 out of the 10 ways but I still donated.

Last edited by Pilot135pd : 04-28-2019 at 07:40 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 04-29-2019, 12:38 AM
Timberwolf Timberwolf is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Navarre, FL
Posts: 385
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by RV10Pilot View Post
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.
__________________
Shane
RV-6 IO-360 Angle valve, G3X touch
Murphy Moose M14P flying
Aero Engineer, A&P
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 04-29-2019, 06:10 AM
HBpilot HBpilot is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ocala, FL
Posts: 76
Default

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.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 04-29-2019, 06:19 AM
FlyingBanker's Avatar
FlyingBanker FlyingBanker is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Eatonton, GA
Posts: 182
Default

You didn?t mention having a heated pitot, but I believe you would need that for legal IFR.
__________________
Jim Bedsole
N62MG - RV-6A "Promises" - bought flying
Dues Paid
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 04-29-2019, 06:45 AM
HBpilot HBpilot is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ocala, FL
Posts: 76
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyingBanker View Post
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 ?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 04-29-2019, 06:46 AM
ka6dan ka6dan is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Dunnellon Fl
Posts: 174
Default

Go talk to Jessy Saint at X35 Dunnellon. He can give great advice and most likely provide installation guidance
__________________
Ka6dan
RV9A
Phase I @ X35 is complete
Paid My 2020 dues. 😃
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:31 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.