Most affordable way to make RV-6 IFR capable

[britt fincher]

My Rv has a D10A, Garmin 396, Icom A200. Very basic. I do not really plan on flying it IFR often, just want to be able to do an approach in case I have to, also would like to be legal for IFR enroute. Would an SL 30 with ILS and CDI be the best/most affordable way to go?

Thanks

[mmcmanus]

I am working through the same issues with my 7A..trying to get some basic IFR capability. I think your idea with the SL30 is good. I've thought about that as well. I have a D100 in my airplane and it will display glideslope info. I don't know if a D10 will do any horizontal or vertical displays. If the D10 displays that kind of approach guidance, then you could get away without a separate CDI in your panel. Also, remember you won't have marker beacons with this equipment. I think, although I'm sure it's not legal, you could probably get away with using the 396 for enroute GPS guidance.

Just my thoughts.

[YellowJacket RV9]

You could look into the Val INS-429 which is an all-in-one unit, http://www.valavionics.com/ins-429.html, about $1800

Chris

[koupster]

The EFIS screen of the D10A will present both localizer and glideslope info. Check pages 4-3 and 4-4 of the Pilot's User Guide.

[rleffler]

Originally Posted by koupster

The EFIS screen of the D10A will present both localizer and glideslope info. Check pages 4-3 and 4-4 of the Pilot's User Guide.

Just the CDI portion. OP still needs a nav source.

The SL30 will work fine. I've not kept up on their pricing in the used market since Garmin released the new models.

I personally would go with a GTN650, but that clearly doesn't fit with your low cost requirement. There are too many airports that don't have ILS or VOR approaches. You may be able to find a good deal with a used GNS430 or GNS430W.

[BobTurner]

You understand that all of your flight instruments (apparently) are in the D-10?
That if, for any reason, it quits while you are in IMC, the outcome will most likely not be favorable?
The saying is "avigate-navigate-communicate" in that order. You must be able to fly the plane. I'd look at a back up, battery powered EFIS before worrying about navigation.
That being said, the SL-30 is a good choice. It's ability to bring in a cross fix VOR radial while tracking a primary VOR or LOC makes it superior to every other nav radio out there, even the newer ones.
Note that for most ILS approaches you will not be able to ID the outer marker. IMHO this is not a big deal, and if you have ATC coverage you can sometimes get them to call it for you. It is a big deal if there's no GS and you are doing the localizer only approach. Finally, some ILSs require an ADF (or certified gps), usually for the missed approach. I'd look and see what's available at the home airport, where you'll be most likely to use it.
The 396 is not legal for any IFR use. But for enroute, the "center, how about a vector direct Salt Lake (300 miles away!) on, say, 093 degrees" seems to work much of the time.

[Dave12]

How about his little sweetie with your d10 ?

http://www.valavionics.com/nav-2000.html

[koupster]

My point was that the D10A already has a CDI and Glideslope presentation built in. You wouldn't need a separate CDI.

To paraphrase from the User Guide: When the EFIS-D10A is receiving CDI or glideslope information from a NAV radio, that info can be displayed on the main EFIS display as well as the on the full HSI page.

[Sam Staton]

I just happen to have one fresh from getting the firmware upgrades to make it fully SL-30 compatible. It has never been installed and comes with harness made by Val. About as close to plug and play as you can get.

[britt fincher]

Thanks for the replies. Does sound like the SL 30 tied into the D10A may be the way to go. Maybe a stratus 2 for back up ADI on my ipad, foreflight. Not planing low IFR. IF ask me, anything less than a twin turbine powered airplane with Cat III b capability, is not safe for low IFR.