Instrument Panel v1
I’ve been working on a 3D model of my instrument panel. Although I’m still several months away from needing to buy avionics, there are some good rebates right now from Garmin, so I think I’m going to start buying some components, even if it means it will sit on the shelf for a little bit. I shared this render with the Sling Builders group on FaceBook, and received a lot of positive feedback.
I will be flying single-pilot VFR/IFR most of the time, so I did a pilot-centric panel. I know the dual-10.6″ screens I see on some panels looks pretty, but to me it doesn’t make much sense unless you plan to have someone flying from the right seat regularly. It’s too far over for the pilot to be able to see it or utilize the touch screen. Instead, I put a large 10.6″ GDU 460 in front of the pilot as a primary flight display (PFD), and a GDU 470 7″ portrait display in the middle for an multi-function display (MFD). The PFD displays all the important info as well as synthetic vision, while the MFD will be mostly used for moving map, Engine Information System (EIS), and to punch in radio frequecies and flight plan changes.
I put the auto flight control system (AFCS) panel top center, like where you’d usually find it on bigger jets. The blank space on the right will be for circuit breakers, heater controls, and other ancillary switches.
For a redundant (back-up) system, I put a Garmin G5 on the left side of the panel, this seems like a much more common place to put it from other panels I’ve seen. A GNX 375 GPS/Transponder will be located to the right of the 7″ MFD, acting as my IFR navigator / transponder / ADS-B in/out. Below the GNX 375 is a GTR 200 communications radio, which can be controlled through its front panel or through either of the touch screens. Although I can get a remote-mount radio, in my experience I interact with the radio a lot when talking to air traffic control, so I like the idea of having physical buttons and a dedicated screen to look at.
Garmin recently introduced updates to their GPS navigators, the GTN 650xi and GTN 750xi. I would love to buy one, but they are eye-wateringly expensive – about $12k and 16k, respectively. The GNX 375 is a more affordable alternative, and provides access to IFR approaches via GPS, which are becoming much more common.
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Please watch this video before you rule out the GTN series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQZAm0EnBrc
If you plan on using your plane to get your instrument rating then you need the GTN series equipment.
Thanks for posting the link video, I have seen Steve’s excellent video before, and I’m working with him and Adam on my avionics. I’ve been back and forth on a GTN navigator. I’ve used a 430W for years so I’m very familiar with GTN. Basically I’m questioning if I need a NAV radio, it would be mostly just for ILS approaches. I already have an instrument rating so I don’t need to worry about that part. What do you think about GTN 650xi (+ GTR 45R) vs. GNX 375 + GNC 255A? That would give me equivalent capability and the cost is about $3500 less at list prices.
Since you are not including a second 10″ screen, GNC 255A taking up space on the panel is not a issue. I would check with Garmin to see if there is any functionality differences between the two combinations, such as the auto pilot transitioning from the Flight Plan to an ILS approach. Keep in mind the resale value of the plane. Dual 10″ screens with GTN 650xi is a awesome combination and looks very cool. What is $3500 when the plane value will be over $200,000? Since you’re probably building your dream plane, I wouldn’t let $3500 keep me from something I really wanted because after you’re up and flying you’re probably gonna regret not spending the money to get the best.
Just my two cents worth or was that a Quarter? LOL
Good point! The 650xi, bring brand new, will probably hold its value for a while. And it’s probably much more desirable than the 255A, even if it does offer near equivalent capability. Thanks for the honest opinion!
You’re welcome. Since you have plenty of room on your panel, consider building a backlit switch panel. There are many methods for building one. Here is one example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHt1wpseqlY
Yup, planning to do that, along with an overhead panel for the exterior lighting controls!
any change you can share the model for the panel? (blank panel at least)