Glass or Steam?
I bought a Dynon Skyview with single large display, single ADAHRS, EMS and navigation for just under $5,000 CDN from aircraft spruce in 2012, and I love it. My only other equipment is an Icom A210 com radio with intercom, which I also liked after I got it set up. I subsequently installed the dynon mode S transponder, and love it too, especially around busy American airspace. I have 140 hours on the plane and system
I built my panel with an air gizmo to take a back up garmin 296, however I chose an iPad with foreflight instead, and love that product too (anyone need an air gizmo for 296?)
I have 800 hours day and night VFR, with some marginal Vfr and accidental IMC. All my hours prior to my RV were on steam gauges. I prefer modern glass panels because they do a better job for less money:
-Situational awareness is improved under all conditions. Good pilots are aware with steam gauges, but they may improve with glass. It certainly is easier.
-Fuel gauges program to your tanks, and they really work.
-Fuel flow meter helps plan flight around economy or max range
-Blinking warning lamp alerts to warning conditions that are easy to miss on a scan, such as high oil temp.
-Full EMS helps you understand your engine better
-No more DG precession, and the remote compass seems to work better too
-Option to upgrade to auto pilot for minimal extra cash
-Software upgrades help your system stay current with industry developments
-Option to interface radio with navigation data base (I flew before dynon radio was available)
-Angle of attack gauge makes everyone safer once you get used to it. Also provides an effective audible stall warning easier than mechanical version
-Calibrate your own transponder at known field elevation with altimeter setting from the tower
-on screen traffic in congested areas if you have transponder. This worked really well near Phoenix a few weeks ago
And, it looks really cool!
I hope the glass will have a lower operating cost than steam, but I my last 6 pack was 30 years old, so it needed constant care. Likewise, I hope the glass is more reliable; my old Piper horizon failed in IMC smoke, and man did I need a beer after that landing. Again, old equipment vs new is not that fair to compare
If I could not afford glass panel right away, I would go with minimal legal VFR steam gauge, augmented with foreflight or similar tablet application. I like my $500 tablet a lot better than my more expensive portable gps, and it really helps your copilot take an active part in flight management. I would keep a TSO'd nav com if your goal is fly IFR
I don't have an opinion on the best glass panel, Dynon is my only experience, and it has been trouble free
Jay
CFXPT