Dennis Martin

Avidyne tried to hire me a few years ago. They said their biggest obstacle was getting shops to carry and recommend their stuff. When people actually try it they are sold (I was). It’s better.

For the shops Garmin is an easier sell. Customers know it and generally accept it. It works well, and they’ve done a great job building an ecosystem…[Read more]

Hi Chris,

I haven’t had to send my Avidynes in for repair so can’t comment on that. I did have an issue I was able to fix in the plane and factory support for that was good. They have a pretty active and helpful forum as well.

FWIW, the Garmin 530w in my rv8 needs to go in and flat rate repair for that is $2300! Turn time is 2 or 3 weeks I…[Read more]

Don’t even think of something non WAAS. They are all obsolete. With vor’s going away you want to be able to fly the full suite of rnav approaches as more and more airports are going that way.

The garmin 175 is a great budget alternative to ubiquitous 650s and 750s. Used garmin 430s and 530s are plentiful, but future support is a concern.…[Read more]

We operated a 200a out of our 2000 ft grass strip in WI for years. We had clear approaches, a 520 engine, and a 3 blade prop. Getting in was not a problem. The 200 has a really steep approach angle and doesn’t float. Fly your numbers and hit your spot and you’ll be fine.

Getting out was a different story. If he was filling all 4 seats Dad…[Read more]