I continue to be extremely pleased with the panel and other changes. No regrets and I wouldn?t have changed anything. Here?s a summary of my thoughts on the major changes:
1. Garmin 396 ? I added this item before the upgrade but I think it is the single most valued piece of equipment in my plane. I really wouldn?t want to fly in the D.C. area without it, especially at RV speeds.
2. TruTrak Pilot II ? The autopilot wasn?t likely to make my cut, but Paul pushed for it and I?m very pleased to have it. In this time of escalating fuel prices, flying a straight and level line on the long cross-country flights has probably saved a lot of money. I also like it a lot for ensure that I don?t deviate into the ADIZ and other restricted airspace around here and for staying under the Class B layers around Houston. I just point Mikey in a ?safe? direction or at a ?safe? elevation, punch the button, and let it hold my vector until I clear the space. It integrates so nicely with the 396. I am disappointed with the failed autopilot pitch servo, but I know that TruTrak will make good on it in a timely manner. It goes off to them today.
3. Dynon 180 (and the previously installed, 10A) ? Love it! Everything about the system has pleased me. Linked into the Garmin 396, the system is as capable as I want. GRT may offer more, but I?m not looking for anything more right now. It has performed flawlessly over the last six months.
? Bell Tailwheel ? I can?t say that I notice any difference. But, I feel more confident when I have gone in and out of grass strips. It certainly looks nice, and isn?t that half the reason we buy accessories?
? Annunciator lights ? Love them. They sure help me remember to turn off the fuel pump and lights after take-off. Great position for them and plenty bright enough.
? Aux battery ? I really appreciate the auxiliary battery that we installed. I now confidently get the radios, GPS, and Dynons set up before wasting fuel. And, I can mess around with the panel instruments or show them off on the ground without fearing that I might drain the main battery. Very cheap addition, and a very nice feature.
? 2nd radio and audio panel ? Nice and reassuring to have, but I can?t say that they have impacted my flying much yet. It is nice to now be able to listen to music occasionally.
? General panel lay-out ? I wouldn?t change a thing! While Paul and I worked together on the design, no one would be surprised to know that the process mostly consisted of me exploring possibilities and Paul gently guiding me towards seeing the wisdom of his vision for the panel (i.e., helping me understand why my ideas often didn?t make the most sense?.he just has so much more experience to tap). I?m glad I took his advice as I think the panel is perfect for Mikey and my missions. Of course, the discussion about adding a map box on the right still isn?t closed.
