Differences - Oh, no, here we go again.
w1curtis said:
I've looked at the
Chelton but for me it is missing some things *I* want and is MUCH more expensive. Aside from the higher resolution and Synthetic Vision (which I think will encourage a lot of dangerous scud running), I don't see anything else that the Chelton's offer that the GRT's don't. If you fly IFR, the rules are such that you should NOT be getting into situation where Synthetic Vision will be of much value. It may be of value of you do a lot of VFR scud running however.
Just my opinion, YMMV.
William,
I honestly don't understand your comment about synthetic vision. IFR is exactly the place that you would *want* synthetic vision with HITS. If I'm in the crud, I most certainly want to know where the cumulogranite is!!! (traffic, obstacles as well). As for HITS, from what I've heard, it's much easier to fly an IFR approach with HITS, than trying to fly one with the needles. Also, the synthetic vision *also* displays the runways, so when you are on an approach down to mins, at DA(H), you look out if, you don't see the runway, where the SV is projecting it to be, you do the missed. All of this data goes along way towards safety... Can it be misused, certainly, but I think SV is a *must* for IFR, and not only for VFR.
As for VFR scud running, it's simply illegal (cloud minimum separation, etc), so why would you ever put yourself in that postition anyway.
I would be curious what it's missing that *you* want. What it has over the GRT is just about too much to list, but I'll hit the high points.
- TAWS warnings
- A full cautionary warning system
- Terrain complete with shadowing and terrain warnings
- Range ring and best glide ring
- interface with multiple engine monitor system (EI, GRT, AFS)
- A full Jeppesen database (and it's associated cost for updates if you like)
- Baro-Vnav (this FMS will allow support the GPS LNAV/VNAV approaches, Note I didn't say the GPS would, I'll get to that in a minute)
- Certified code base with 1000's of hours of testing and implementation in STC'd installations
- AN AHRS that includes GPS and AirData computer functions so that Baro-Vnav is correct, that is tested to DO-160e and includes EMI, RFI, lightning testing
- The ability to swap the GPS module in the GADAHRS out for the freelfight WAAS GPS module and you'll have GPS /G filing ability PLUS you'll have support for LNAV/VNAV approaches with Baro-VNAV correction (this is extremely cheaper than buying a 430 or 480) and only requires the same 3 wires to connect it.
- With the Freeflight GPS you have TSO-145a compliance (WAAS GPS compliance - supersedes the need for TSO-129a)
- TSO-146a compliance (this is FMS compliance to WAAS GPS with Baro-VNAV)
- when you have the Freeflight Waas GPS, you are not required to have NAV radios if you like. This is a benefit of of the TSO-145a. Normally in TSO-129a (enroute and terminal GPS TSO), you still have to have "ground based navigation" resourses on board and GPS can only be considered SECONDARY. In TSO-145a/TSO-146a, you no longer have to have NAV radios, the WAAS GPS can be considered PRIMARY - probably not very wise, but doable.
- 640 x 480 display resolution (vs. the 400 x 240 on the GRT's)
- Weather via WSI today and XM soon
- Hardened Magnetometer and AHRS (see the above DO-160 tested notes)
- configurable display, if you don't like the synthetic vision, just turn it off or select the more traditional EFIS look with flight director arrows.
- Obstacles with obstacle display and warnings
- TIS display if you have a tis xponder, and this display not only puts them on the MFD, but also puts them "at altitude" on the 3D display
- 3D display with TIS, obstacles and Terrain. If you don't like HITS, you can turn if off as well
- Full VNAV profile support including VNAV for approaches and GPSV support
- ADS-B support (remember the Chelton is what the FAA used during the CAPSTONE trials for ADS-B)
Oh, I've probably missed a 100 things, but there is really no comparision (on price or features).
Would be curious of what it doesn't have that you need, or what you don't like.