RV-12iS IFR Avionics Package Available for Orders

[R7237]

Just to expand on my prior posting, I'm starting to think the GTN650 will be a requirement for an IFR trainer. Even though the newer GPS navigators from Garmin are cheaper, if the intent of the RV-12 is to use as an IFR trainer, it sounds like the NAV radio will be a requirement. Better question for a CFII (hopefully someone here can give input), but a GPS only panel, although legal for IFR flight, would not let a student pilot working towards their instrument rating perform 3 different approaches. Better question, what is the minimum panel requirements required by a CFII for a student to earn his/her certificate for IFR?

[Warrior's Lance]

The thread starter indicates a audio panel is included with this G3X IFR package, but the actual avionics order form does NOT list any. Pictures show a GMA 245. Nowhere is a audio panel or GMA 245 listed as included on that order form. Oversight? or has the audio panel been removed from the package?

Also, is the GTN650 now the enhanced Xi version? or still the previous version? Coming change maybe?

Thanks

Lance

[BobbyLucas]

Originally Posted by rcarsey

Looks good! Order already placed.

My thoughts on the offering:

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4. Thought maybe the GMC307 autopilot panel would be replaced with a GMC507 (see discussion here for the differences)

Greg Hughes - any feedback on the autopilot panel question? I had been wondering the same thing. Thanks.

[greghughespdx]

The audio panel supplied for the RV-12iS IFR avionics package is a GMA245 and the autopilot panel is the GMC307. I'll get our web order form updated to include the audio panel model info, looks like I inadvertently left that off.

I need to check on the GTN650 version status. Sorry, I just can't recall here on a Saturday. I will check on that and post again with the details next week when I'm back at work and can dig into that for ya.

[Jpm757]

$40K and only 1 comm. radio? IFR lost communications is no fun.

[BobbyLucas]

[quote=greghughespdx;1423423]The audio panel supplied for the RV-12iS IFR avionics package is a GMA245 and the autopilot panel is the GMC307./QUOTE]

Greg - the autopilot panel question is why is Van's not using the newer GMC507? According to Garmin (g3xpert) they are not selling the 307 anymore except to "some customers who want/require this unit for certification or installation reasons."

Thanks

[enterprise]

Here is the plans section on the install. You can see the various components.

https://www.vansaircraft.com/service...ns/42pis_12is/

[BobbyLucas]

I asked Van's support whether they would be upgrading from the GMC307 to the GMC507 and received this response from Rian Johnson, Vice President / Chief Engineer:

We do have a project underway to make this change and upgrade the GTN650 to the GTN650Xi. This change notice is underway but will require having the new units in house and testing a installation before we offer this to the public. I do not have a timeline for that to occur but I would expect at least 1-2 months until this will be seen on order forms. I would hope sooner but with COVID slowing the pace of all work even that timeframe might be advanced.

The 507 uses CAN bus and the 307 uses RS-232. This will require a software change.

Cheers

[Warrior's Lance]

Thanks for the update.

Lance

[Driftdown]

Originally Posted by Jpm757

$40K and only 1 comm. radio? IFR lost communications is no fun.

42 years of professional flying and 22,000+ hours (plenty of actual IFR day/night), never happened to me once.
Besides that, there are established procedures in place for dealing with that. Just know the procedure and follow the procedure.