Seems the ARNAV people have a great fision of the future.
I spoke withs the ARNAV reps at the NBAA show in New Orleans on Tuesday. The following are my impressions:
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They seem very committed to the big screen ,but were closed mouthed about sales to other than Cirrus. They did mention a Malibu in which it was installed. My guess is thaey haven’t sold too many to third parties, but ?if they increased the utility they may get more sales. I’m sure the size is another impediment to sales.
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The screen looked totally different, (well almost totally). Along the right margin, just inside the buttons, were windows style icons identifying the fundtion of each button. The screen format was different in that in the mode presented the vertical split was about a 60%/40% with the smaller portion to the left. Overall the colors were very good, but I was not able to see it in bright sunlight.
The smaller, left screen contained the engine info and the right section contained the map functions. while visually appealing, I was not a fan of the engine displays, as I felt they were not as crisp and clear as could be.
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The display’s database can be updated via one or two slots in the right side of the unit. these updates require the unit be removed or partially removed to acces the slots. Obviously, as the ARNAV is for situational awareness only in the SR instalations, frequent upgrades are not necessary. (Too bad the ARNAV doesn’t work like the Sandel with the moving map info imported from the GPS.)
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I don’t think the screen will be abandoned anytime soon, especially with CD’s purchse rate, but I also do not think that the company considers this one of their top priorities.
I also spoke with the Sandel/Dac folks. They have introduced a ground warning system (TAWS) for the Sandel unit, but at $35K it’s too pricey for me. This was my first time to get my fingerprints on one and it is great! While complicated, I think it will be a lot easier to learn that the 430’s. And of course, as much of the map and other data is imported from the 430’s you need to know how to use them.
The Garmin folks were there and I spent a bit of time with them and the GTX 3327 transponder. The added features are nice, but not a must have. The timers are nice and the Flight Timer has the ability to self start upon takeoff roll, somewhere around 50 kts. The unit also has the ability to switch itself to ‘Altitude’/mode C for those of us who may have misssed this item on the checklist once or twice. the pressure altitude display is also nice, but these functions are dependant upon the instalation, so they may or may not be available in the SR22, which comes standard with the 327.
Saw the new Socata Trinidad. I’m staying with the SR20/22! It’s still a better plane for less money. I also saw the BBJ, G-V and others, but alas, I’m still staying with the Cirrus, but for differeent reasons.
Speaking of Takeoff and Landing distances, the BBJ (737 in leather) need only about 3,000 feet of runway, but 4,000 - 5,000 would be more comfortable. I really liked the two showers. Does anyone think we can get a shower in the SR22 as an option? Maybe we should bet CD to look into this? Ian? Chris? Anyone? Anyone have $55 milion they’d like to give me? If you do, I’ll give you a ride. Promise.
The Vantage, Eclipse and any other small jet designers were there as well. I wouldn’t be looking for delivery of a 450kt jet airplane with a 1,500 nm range with a payload of 6 people anytime in the next two years. Eclipse seems to be the furtherst along, and they appear to be a bit behind where CD was in '97, and I bet their certification road is even tougher.
Marty #119