Also considering Aspen
I too, like TankerBob, am considering an Aspen PFD for my flying RV-8A.
All the same reasons apply -- existing six-pack and I would rather not have to redo the entire panel.
The one factor that may carry the day in favor of the Aspen has to do with autopilot integration. My RV currently is equipped with an STEC 30 2 axis autopilot and the Garmin GNS 430. None of the current experimental EFIS systems will integrate with the STEC. So, if I go for one of the experimental EFIS systems I will either have to also replace the autopilot (more $$), or be satisfied with a stand-alone autopilot that is not very functional (no course interceptions, no following the heading bug, and no flying the approach). The dollars involved tend to even out when the addition of a 4-5K new autopilot is part of the equation.
I spoke with another RV owner, a CFI in the northeast, who uses the Aspen unit in his RV with the STEC 30 autopilot and a Garmin 430. He is thrilled with the Aspen. The Aspen and the 430 enable the STEC to fly the heading bug, intercept courses, fly entire VOR/ILS/GPS procedures including missed approaches, holding patterns, etc.
Also, much like TankerBob, I'm very used to seeing attitude displayed over an HSI after 27 years of flying that configuration in the military.
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Mike Clay
Orlando, FL
RV-8A N81PD
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