I am considering adding a Garmin 300 xl and an S-Tec 20 to my panel. Anyone done this and how did it turn out? Cost?
As an alternative, I am considering the 155xl (without com) and taking out my ADF instead of my #2 Nav/Com. Since I have no experience at all with IFR GPS approaches, would this be a way to go or do I need a head for the GPS? Is an ADF needed for any GPS approaches?
Tom
I have an S-tec model 30 and a Garmin 300xl. Both work great. I would suggest getting altitude hold. It takes away a lot of stress, especially if flying ifr. The radio in the 300xl is superb. I like it so much that I plan to purchase another garmin radio / nav. Model 30 cost about $9500.00 installed, including new DG. Garmin 300 xl installed about $4700.00. The s-tec is one of the most satisfying purchases for my plane. Get the altitude hold, you won't be sorry.
The GNS 430 is the single greatest purchase I have ever made for my aircraft. I would strongly consider getting yourself one of those. The 430 pretty much tells you everything to do and when to do it. I had a KLN 90B in the aircraft prior to the 430 purchase. The time that I spent just to program it and then to understand what it was telling me, hardly made it worth having. An ADF is a worthless piece of equipment. I had mine removed when the GNS 430 was installed. The only thing I miss about it is not being able to listen to AM radio late at night. If funds are limited, you could probably purchase a used 430 for $5500 on ebay. Depending on what type of aircraft you have, expect to spend $2,000 to $3,000 for the install.
If you get an STEC autopilot, I understand that it will even enter and fly the holds for you. I do agree with Rich, spend the extra money and get alt. hold. If you decide to go a different route because of money, you can probably pick up a used Cessna 400B for less than a $1000. It is a solid A/P and most shops can still repair them.
Mike Savage wrote:
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> I am considering buying a 1978 Cessna 182Q. This is my first plane, and the price seems good but the problem is that I heard that Cessna used some sort of funky paint that year that did not bond very well to the primer coat. The plane I'm looking at has some 1 to 2 inch diameter bubbles on the aeilorons and if you "pop" the bubble, it looks like corrosion. anyone have any experience with this? Can I sand and spot-fix those areas or is the whole paint job bad and needs redoing? Did Cessna offer any remedies? The price for this airplane is lower to take this into account but is this a hidden bomb waiting to go off (at least when I sell it). I hate the thoughts of termite damage in my airplane!
>
> Thanks,
> Mike
