Avionics

Decision Process

Needs/Goals

I want a simple aircraft, thus simple instrumentation, however modern avionics provide quite a bit of situational awareness and safety. Strike a balance between simplicity and safety.

  • Single Radio is fine, monitoring of a second frequency would be nice.
  • Single Radio, only 1 passenger means simple intercom is fine.
  • Since there is a power source, the transponder needs ADS-B out capability.
  • ADS-B in capability provides too many benefits and increases safety enough that I want it.
  • Engine monitoring and logging can make maintenance easier and flying safer.

Considerations

  • Garmin/Dynon/MGL/GRT Glass Panels: My Zenith Cruzer CH-750 has a light IFR panel w/G3X at the heart of it. I very much enjoy this setup, but for my needs/goals a full glass setup is overkill.
  • Steam Gauges: Simplicity, but some glass interfaces provide too much safety/situational awareness to ignore.
  • MGL Blaze Gauges: While they provide more functionality than steam gauges, they do not provide the situational awareness I am looking for.

Decision

With these four devices, the only other thing on the panel will be switches, breakers and engine controls!

MGL Xtreme Mini EFIS

MGL Xtreme Mini EFIS. With the addition of the MGL SP-6 (magnetometer), MGL SP-7 (AHRS), and MGL RDAC XF, this device becomes an all in one device for all air and engine instruments. Further, it has basic GPS navigation capabilities.

  • Primary EFIS including:
    • Attitude
    • Magnetic Heading
    • Altimeter
    • Airspeed
    • Vertical Speed
    • Slip/Skid Indicator
  • Primary Engine Information including:
    • RPM
    • Oil Pressure
    • Oil Temperature
    • CHT Temperatures
    • EGT Temperatures

Futher, it has advanced features such as:

  • Heading Bug
  • Altitude Bug
  • Density Altitude
  • Outside Air Temperature
  • Timer
  • Flight Logging
  • True Airspeed Calculation
  • G-Force Meter
  • Wind Speed and Direction Display
  • GPS Navigation
    • CDI
    • Simple Point to Point
    • Route Capable
    • POIs loaded for all FAA points
  • Can drive 2 MGL Autopilot Servos directly
  • Fuel Flow
  • Lean Assist
  • Alarms for most parameters
  • User defined checklists
  • Data Logging

Apple iPad

Will have a mount that the iPad can be easily removed. Will be running software such as ForeFlight that is linked to an external ADS-B receiver source. Will be responsible for mapping, weather and traffic.

Trig Avionics

Both devices have the same profile and general use. Both have remote mounted electronics to make the actual installation in the panel very easy and clean. Further, they are light weight.

Trig TY-91 Radio

This provides a radio with monitoring capability and a build in intercom. The build in intercom further reduces complexity and weight.

Trig TT-22 Transponder

When coupled with a TN-72 GPS source, the Trig TT-22 provides a simple transponder with ADS-B out.

Panel Layout

Thoughts

Since the throttle is on the left

  • I will fly with my right hand more
  • With throttle friction lock, my left hand will be more free
  • Place instruments I change more on the left
  • Place instruments I change less (display mainly?) on the right
  • Place the key switch on the right so I can have my hand on the throttle while starting

Segregate switches into two groups

  1. Those I use on the ground such as Master, Alternator, Avionics Master, Engine Start/Mag Selection, Beacon Light
  2. Those I use in the air such as Navigation Lights, Strobe Lights, Landing Light, Taxi Light, Dome Light

This means I am less likely to flip a wrong switch, or worst case scenario if I do flip an "in-flight" switch, nothing bad will happen.