HSI in c172

[FenderManDan]

I was thinking about putting one in to replace the DG (end of life soon), ADF and one VOR mechanical instruments. Slaving it to the compass seems like an expensive option in the simple plane. I have STEC 40 wing level.

[Bede]

Fancy avionics are a huge waste of money in GA. Usually the install cost will meet or exceed the price of the fancy do-dad. Than when it breaks, it will cost big bucks to fix ($100-$120/hr). When you go to sell, you won't get your money out.

Keep it simple. If I had a C172 and wanted avionics, I'd have 1 ILS and 1 GPS if that. My preference would be for a COM, transponder and a good yoke mount GPS. Pull all the other crap out and save the weight.

[AOW]

If I were considering putting an HSI in a 172, I would definitely have a look at Aspen Avionics. I have never used one of their systems, but it looks like exactly the right kind of thing for a 172, and probably about the same cost as a traditional HSI. I think Sault College has installed them in their aircraft, maybe somebody there can give first hand feedback.

[I_Drive_Planes]

I'd like to add an IFR GPS to my airplane, but I'm holding off on any major avionics upgrades in my airplane until I see the results of the Part 23 rewrite in the USA. If everything goes well we should see some of the awesome kit that's available to homebuilders become available to us in the certified world (without breaking the bank). A complete Dynon Skyview system for what a used Garmin 430 costs today is worth waiting for, I think.

[photofly]

Are you sure TC will follow suit? You can already do lots of stuff to N registered aircraft that won't pass muster here.

To the OP- don't fit a mechanical HSI. Look at the electronic options (Sandel? Aspen?) A mechanical nsd360a used is $4k plus install.

Also note that a mechanical HSI won't interface to an ADF - that would be an RMI.

[NeverBlue]

The Aspen unit is a pretty easy retrofit.

No mechanical movements that will require overhaul.

[I_Drive_Planes]

Are you sure TC will follow suit?

No, but I'm hopeful as these things do tend to filter down to us after they are brought into the USA.

[photofly]

I really wish I shared your optimism on that score.

[xchox]

HSI?
Hookers n Beer?
HSI?
Hookers n Beer?


I agree with the Aspen comments.

[CID]

The Part 23 re-write is being developed with TCCA input. Regardless, it won't have much impact on modifications done in Canada except for STCs. FAA STCs on US manufactured light aircraft are already accepted with no review in Canada and we have the option of using AC 43.13 as "specified" data for many modifications on light aircraft without going the STC route. Of course that's only for properly qualified equipment.

With respect to putting an HSI in your 172, don't worry about the naysayers who think that every light aircraft needs to be super cheap and plain. An HSI is a great tool and if you can afford one. I agree that the Aspen solution is a good way to go but the $5K price tag will only give you VFR. For IFR you need to go north of $10K.

Although relatively old technology, a used KCS-55A system is IFR ready, reliable and reasonably priced. For about $6K you get a gyro, HSI, flux detector and a slaving panel. Installation extra of course but you don't need an STC.

Also note that a mechanical HSI won't interface to an ADF - that would be an RMI

Not necessarily. It depends on the HSI. But....an HSI with the "pink dink" bearing pointer isn't cheap.

[MartinB]

If I were considering putting an HSI in a 172, I would definitely have a look at Aspen Avionics. I have never used one of their systems, but it looks like exactly the right kind of thing for a 172, and probably about the same cost as a traditional HSI. I think Sault College has installed them in their aircraft, maybe somebody there can give first hand feedback.

The Aspen avionics are a nice fit in the Zlins judging from my short intro flight. I wish they left a few with their original analog instrumentation so we could have practice on both. I guess I'll have to wait till 3rd year to see them on the piper's.

[NeverBlue]

Not necessarily. It depends on the HSI. But....an HSI with the "pink dink" bearing pointer isn't cheap.

agreed...it really depends upon the HSI as to whether it will display ADF or not...but they're pricey if they do.

If you're going to go north of $10k you might as well go with a Garmin.

Although there are a lot of KCS55 systems out there they are still relatively high maintenance and probably more expensive in the long run than the Aspen or Garmin unit. Small aircraft vibration can really kill the DG and the KI525 HSI.

Aspen also has some other great packages as well to go the IFR route.

[Docbrad]

The Aspen displays are amazing! Especially if you're going IFR. But if you're just a simple fly around, occasional VFR city hopper, I don't think it would be worth it, financially.

I flew the with the Aspen outfitted in the Sault College Zlins, PM me if you want more info about them

[Pop n Fresh]

HSI?
Hookers n Beer?
HSI?
Hookers n Beer?


I agree with the Aspen comments.

Is this a "Tastes great! Less filling!" reference?

[Meddler]

I don't intend to be a party pooper but I don't see the point of ifr avionics in a private Canadian 172 at all, with a few exceptions:

For training toward an instrument rating.

In order to file ifr or pick up an ifr clearance into busy airspace, the odd time you want to land at Edmonton international.

To have enough instrumentation to get yourself out of a bad situation, for example vfr ott gone wrong.

Otherwise, why would you want to fly in cloud with one vacume driven horizon and no de ice stuff trying to maintain ifr safes on a carbureted 150 horse?

[eeeroger]

If I were considering putting an HSI in a 172, I would definitely have a look at Aspen Avionics. I have never used one of their systems, but it looks like exactly the right kind of thing for a 172, and probably about the same cost as a traditional HSI. I think Sault College has installed them in their aircraft, maybe somebody there can give first hand feedback.

The Aspen avionics are a nice fit in the Zlins judging from my short intro flight. I wish they left a few with their original analog instrumentation so we could have practice on both. I guess I'll have to wait till 3rd year to see them on the piper's.

Fam flights were cancelled both weekends. Which intro flight did you go on?

[Laner]

Fam flights were cancelled both weekends. Which intro flight did you go on?

+1. Pls Respond.

[FenderManDan]

Mostly for:

I don't intend to be a party pooper but I don't see the point of ifr avionics in a private Canadian 172 at all, with a few exceptions:

For training toward an instrument rating.

In order to file ifr or pick up an ifr clearance into busy airspace, the odd time you want to land at Edmonton international.. (I guess not Edmonton but in Ontario or states.

To have enough instrumentation to get yourself out of a bad situation, for example vfr ott gone wrong.

Otherwise, why would you want to fly in cloud with one vacume driven horizon and no de ice stuff trying to maintain ifr safes on a carbureted 150 horse?

Its 160hp at take off or about there. . Just entertaining idea if i find
A decent priced replacement or alternative for the directional gyro. I found at Oshkosh this Summer that certified DG is about 8 times the price of the non cert instrument made by the same factory. That is BS.

[Meddler]

Hmm. Good reasons I guess

I was thinking more of the part of the world with really big mts and ice in the clouds all year round.

[NeverBlue]

http://www.grtavionics.com/mini.html

Pretty sweet for $1000