Two Compelling Panel Choices Now Available For OEMs and Retrofitters

E-I-C Note: Sorry that the last of the these evals (the very best of them, no less) dragged out so long, but the holidays were shorter than we expected in terms of available work time and the workload has only accelerated since then. Thankfully, the end of the tunnel is in sight, there is no train whistle attached and we are pleased to complete this carefully-thought-out series this week.

Our congrats to all those who impressed us... and 'for shame' on all those that didn't... -- Jim Campbell, ANN's Overworked Editor-In-Chief.

As previously noted, we don't have to tell you that aviation is a constantly changing industry... and nowhere is that as evident as in the panels that guide us each and every flight. The technology now available to us is truly astounding and the manner in which two manufacturers have tackled such primary concerns as usability and affordability makes them both eligible for bragging rights as the very best panels available to GA for 2009.

We had originally planned to award the title of "Best Panel" to a single manufacturer... but after flying the best offerings from both Avidyne and Aspen, we simply had to make two awards... for stunningly different reasons.

In terms of usability and innovation, nothing beats the Avidyne Entegra Release 9 glass panel system... nothing. And in terms of affordability and innovation, the Aspen Evolution system is simply unbeatable. 

Best Panel (Usability and Innovation): Avidyne R9

We've written SO much about R9... though we honestly feel that we've barely covered the important aspects of the revolution undertaken by Avidyne with their release of the most usable and (ultimately) most capable Glass Panel system in GA today.

Obviously, we think well of the system... as it will have cost us well over $100K by the time our full installation is completed in the coming year with the addition of the much-awaited DFC100 digital autopilot, as well as Avidyne's version of Synthetic Vision, in addition to numerous other features in the offing. As expensive as it sounds, the additional usability of our aircraft is startling and the comfort we have found in tackling the most complex single-pilot IFR environments so compelling that we're beginning to think we got off cheap. The system is spectacluarly easy to use, swift in operation and without peer in overall effect.

Developed to eliminate complexity and reduce head-down time, Avidyne’s Entegra 9 includes high-resolution IFD5000 displays designed with fully redundant architecture. Instead of being “daisy-chained,” each display has its own set of computational modules allowing for peer-to-peer data exchange and comparison without unfamiliar or limited reversionary modes. Features also include dual Air Data and Attitude Heading Reference Systems (ADAHRS), next-generation digital 16-watt VHF NAV/COM radios, and dual WAAS/RNP-capable GPS receivers.

In addition, Avidyne’s Entegra Release 9 features dual-redundant FMS900w systems with QWERTY keypads.  Designed to be fully integrated with the all-digital WAAS Gamma 3 CNS suite, the FMS900w premieres two new technologies. The first technology, termed “GeoFill,” provides intuitive selection for creating, editing, or loading flight plan data. 

Instead of displaying choices in alphabetical order within the database, “GeoFill” predicts the next leg or waypoint based on proximity to the aircraft’s current location. In addition, the FMS900w includes an intuitive FMS Vectors feature. Unlike previous generation navigators, the FMS900w calculates any transition from the en route GPS phase of flight to an ILS intercept without the need to suspend or interrupt guidance to the autopilot.

Unlike so many other products in aviation, we have found that R9 not only delivers on Avidyne's promises... but exceeds them. This system has our very highest recommendation.

Best Panel (Affordability and Innovation): Aspen Evolution

If someone had told me, just a few years ago, that a true leading-edge Three Screen Glass Panel could be bought for about $20K and change, I'd turn them over to the Flight Surgeon, because I would think they'd surely be under the influence of something illegal.  

But, believe it or not, the reality is that you can buy a seriously capable Aspen Evolution "Triple Threat" glass panel system for WELL under $30K... and I find that amazing... and even more so now that we've flown it and found out that not only is it affordable, but that it takes NO PRISONERS int he capability department. This is a bad-ass system, folks -- it does it all, it does it well and it doesn't cost as much as a small house to have one for yourself.

Aspen’s amazing retrofit glass cockpit system is both easily upgradeable and substantially cheaper to install in any general aviation aircraft. The system features Evolution’s EFD1000 Pro PFD, the EFD1000 MFD, and the EFD500 MFD. The EFD1000 Pro PFD provides professional-grade EFIS primary flight instruments, including a full-featured electronic HSI and moving map capabilities.

The EFD1000 MFD not only doubles the display area, it provides full PFD instrument backup; by using the same hardware and software configurations in both units, the total Evolution system provides dual independent AHRS, Air Data Computers, compass systems, HSIs, and more to provide full redundancy of critical systems and sensors.

The Evolution Flight Display’s consistent software platform also allows the system to be highly flexible to a pilot’s changing needs and budgetary allowances. The EFDs are fully upgradeable via software updates so additional components, such as the newly announced Version 2.0, can be added without removing the display from the aircraft’s panel. Introduced during the 2009 AOPA Summit, the Version 2.0 Evolution software upgrade is available for immediate installation at any authorized Aspen dealer. 

With the Version 2.0 upgrade, Aspen PFD owners are now able to add Evolution Hazard Awareness (EHA), integrating datalink weather, lightning detection, and traffic into the navigation display.  In addition, new enhancements include improved EFD1000 functionality and interfaces, altitude trend vector display, and supporting interface with the EWR50 Evolution Weather Receiver.

We were not just impressed with the price but the capabilities... unless money is no object, this remains the best value in glass panel retrofits in all of GA. Bar none. ANN recommends it highly.

FMI: www.avidyne.com, www.aspenavionics.com