G3X autopilot in RV-8?

[Robert Anglin]

We are making changes to the all new Garmin G3X system. One of the things that has been used in both the old as well as the new tough is auto pilot control panel GMC 305. The question would be. Is it worth it to put this unit in, given the small panel space of an RV-8. The new tough system G3X has a pretty good auto-P function built into it as it is. What are you guys seeing out there that have this GMC 305? Does it only come into its own when used IFR or does it get used a lot for VFR as well? I guess I am looking for what others think of this unit and its impact with respect to flying RV's?
Thanks for you time on this one.. Yours as always. R.E.A. III #80888

[xblueh2o]

Waiting to hear the answers with great interest myself.
Just at the beginnings of my panel planning so this is very timely.

[Ironflight]

We've been flying with G3X systems for close to three years Robert. We installed the 305 in the RV-6 about a year and a half ago, and it is simply outstanding - intuitive, easy to operate, easy to see. We just installed a Touch system this past week, and have to fly it, but while I have played with the Touch interface for the A/P in the hangar, I'll reserve judgement until I am in the air for awhile.

I did fly a factory RV-12 a couple of weeks ago with the Touch and the 305 - I used the 305 for all of the mode controls, and the Touch interface on the PFD to set altitude pre select, hdgs, etc. That seemed very natural - but then again, I am used to the 305. So....jury is still out on the Touch interface - will let you know what I think after a few trips.

[Danny King]

What Paul said! I flew the autopilot via the soft keys on the G3X for two years and then the GMC305 came out. I installed it and it is wonderful. My RV-8 has a two screen early G3X. Garmin GTN 650, GTX 330es and GMC 305. In addition I have three backup gages: Airspeed Attitude. Altitude. It all fits fine.

[Robert Anglin]

Thanks Danny and Paul. We have maid up our mind at this juncture in time to install one of the 10" G3X tough screens and the auto pilot servos. These new G3X units are a good step up from the older units. We know that we can add a GMC 305 after the fact if we get to a point of adding a flight director at some point or find that the tough G3X dose not do as much or work as well as having both up front. I guess it boles down to having the independent unit if the 460 faults. And how the work load is made more fluid in flight, with only having the one or both at the same time. As we all know panel space and placement of doodads is high on the list of planning these changes. Thanks for the input, keep it going. Yours. R.E.A. III #80888

[Brantel]

Another vote for the GMC 305. It really adds to the package and makes operating the AP a no brainer. Having dedicated AP controls just makes a lot of sense.

[avionicsr]

Almost every installation we do includes a GMC 305 even though the touch screen interface works great. The GMC 305 just saves one key push, and provides a more familiar look and feel for autopilot control. I've got almost 300 hours with a GMC305 and absolutely love it.

[Robert Anglin]

OK, I slep on it and read a few more posts like the one above, on do I need another A.I. and the response from our good friends at Garmin.
It is amazing how you can fix your problems in your sleep sometimes.
We will get the GMC 305 and find a place for it, "top left side of panel-free hand and all.". I think this will free up the EFIS "that" just a little more on the display side of manipulations and add that little bit more safety if the EFIS should happen to go fault and we need to go back-up A.S.A.P.. Thanks guys, and the Sand-Man, for this one. Yours as always. R.E.A. III #80888

[humptybump]

Originally Posted by Robert Anglin

Is it worth it to put this [GMC305] unit in, given the small panel space of an RV-8. #80888

I have a G3X Touch panel in an RV-8 without the GMC305.

Having flown it for a few months, I wish I had dedicated AP buttons. There's more screen switching than I'd like under IFR, relying on the touch interface page.

Odds are good, if/when I have to pull the panel for anything, I'll find a way to fit the GNC305.

[Arlen]

Pahan (Avionics Installations, in Spruce Creek) put his up on top of his G3x panel:
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