RV-12iS IFR Avionics Package Available for Orders

[greghughespdx]

Van's has published the RV-12iS IFR avionics package order form and we are now accepting orders. This package is available for the RV-12iS only when equipped with the Rotax 912 iS engine, due to electrical capacity requirements.

The package includes:

• Two Garmin G3X Touch EFIS screens
• GTN 650 IFR GPS/Nav/Com radio
• Audio panel
• ADS-B Out
• Autopilot servos for pitch/roll
• GMC 307 autopilot control module
• All of the parts/hardware/wiring required to install the system

Options include:

• ADS-B In and Sirius XM receivers
• Finished, powder coated panels with silk-screened placards
• Subtraction of the second EFIS screen

You can find the order form here.

Note that the current Light Sport Aircraft standards (ELSA and SLSA) preclude operation in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). While aircraft licensed under the LSA standard may be operated "in the system" under Instrument Flight Rules, such as in a training environment, certification as LSA currently prohibits IMC operations. Also note that EAB-licensed aircraft are not restricted in this fashion.

Lead times for RV-12iS avionics packages are currently as long as six months, due to order backlog.

[rcarsey]

Looks good! Order already placed.

My thoughts on the offering:

1. A little pricey for the XM addition (+$615 in the regular package vs +$855 in the IFR package) (hurts. opted to go with XM only because adding it afterwards means a rip-n-replace of the GDL-50R with a GDL-52R).
2. Same thing for silk screen printing $600 vs $650.. (I didnt choose this option, price wasn't a factor)
3. Otherwise pricing was about what I expected, and the package is what has been advertised since last summer.
4. Thought maybe the GMC307 autopilot panel would be replaced with a GMC507 (see discussion here for the differences)
5. TO/GA button?

Perhaps we'll be seeing those price increases in the regular RV-12iS package too. :-(

Lead times for RV-12iS avionics packages are currently as long as six months, due to order backlog.

Unfortunate.

[greghughespdx]

Originally Posted by rcarsey

Looks good! Order already placed.

A little pricey for the XM addition (+$615 in the regular package vs +$855 in the IFR package). Same thing for silk screen printing $600 vs $650..

Hi Rob,

The price difference on the XM addition is actually related to the additional cost of a combined GPS/XM antenna that's used for the GTN650/XM receiver option. A single antenna that enables and connects to both units is used, and it just costs more. The VFR avionics package doesn't have the GTN radio, so it doesn't require the use of that special antenna.

The prices for the silk screened panels are actually the same as in the VFR packages. The difference is based on the number of screens included by default in each package (and the panels costs related to that). The default price for the VFR packages accommodates one screen at $600, whereas the dual-screen option (which is the default selection in the IFR config) is $650 for the panels. You'll find the same prices for single- and dual-screen panel components are on the IFR and VFR packages.

Glad you got your order in. It's a very nice setup. I enjoy flying it!

[rcarsey]

Ahh got it. Didn't realize there was a silk-screen price difference between VFR (PFD only) and VFR (PFD & MFD).. makes sense. Ok you caught me on that one!

As for the XM stuff.. that makes some sense too.. I didn't even think about the antenna(s).

Despite my list of gripes, I'm actually very excited about this -- since I started my build in Summer of '17, sooooo many options have become available.. most of which I happily integrated without having to undo/redo much.

[JwWright57]

All I can say is..... WOW 40K!!!! That's just crazy.

[E. D. Eliot]

Wondering if there will eventually be a similar set offered by Van's from the Dynon Group?

[greghughespdx]

Originally Posted by E. D. Eliot

Wondering if there will eventually be a similar set offered by Van's from the Dynon Group?

No plans at this time. The amount of work necessary to create, document and another package is quite significant. The Garmin system is the package we determined we'd deliver for the -12iS.

[greghughespdx]

Originally Posted by JwWright57

All I can say is..... WOW 40K!!!! That's just crazy.

There's no doubt an IFR panel is a serious investment! The net difference between the similarly-equipped VFR panel (meaning dual screens, all the autopilot components, ADS-B, etc etc) is about $13K. Between the GTN 650's added cost, our complete wiring harnesses and the various other required components, we did our best to make it as affordable an upgrade as possible.

[joe gremlin]

Apologies if this has been asked and answered previously. If you build an iS and choose to go with the standard VFR Garmin avionics, would you be able to upgrade the plane to this IFR package later on?

[JosephineJ79]

NO! Not unless you have money and your partner's approval.