A TSO’d + Certified dilemma

[piperboy84]

A TSO’d + Certified dilemma

I want to upgrade the panel on my VFR equipped FAA N reg certified aircraft to get VOR/LOC ILS capability, not that I am going to fly heavy IFR but just as a backup in case I end up in the soup (I know, famous last words). Going the Garmin 430/530 or newer 650/750 route is more than I want to spend and involves a complete panel redo which is not an option and even changing out the Garmin NAV radio for a Nav/com with CDI involves a lot of refitting due to the differences in sizes of the radios.

I have found this unit VAL AVIONICS NAV INS 429 WITH VOR/LOC/GS/MB from Aircraft Spruce (http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/av/cdi/valINS429.php) which incorporates the vor/loc/ils BC indicator and tuners all self-contained and installs in a standard 3.125 panel hole. This unit would absolutely get me the config I need at a reasonable price and no messing with the existing panel set up other than connecting the NAV audio to the intercom for station identification.
BUT !!!!
As my aircraft is a certified production model and not an experimental/permit I need to install “certified” equipment. On the manufacturers site it says the unit “Meets or Exceeds TSO Standards” but does not say it is actually “TSO’d” . The manufacturer interprets the FAR regulations to say that to be IFR legal the unit only has to meet TSO standards but does not have to actually be TSO’d and that other than the usual Altimeter, Vacuum and transponder inspection to be in compliance with FAR’s there is nothing saying this unit is not legal for IFR installation and use.

Anyone any thoughts on this?

[Steve6443]

I'd read THIS (http://www.backcountrypilot.org/forum/cheap-ifr-capability-11728) Thread, they are having the same discussion....

[A and C]

I have seen lots of people try to fit equipment that seems to offer a lot for very little money, usually the reason it is cheap is that it is junk.

While I have no knowledge of this equipment and would not want to pass judgment on it there is probably a reason why it is not widely fitted.

If you want a good back up there is a new hand held 8.33 com/ NAV/ILS / GPS on the market in the USA that would probably be a better option for you to use as an emergency back up.

[piperboy84]

If you want a good back up there is a new hand held 8.33 com/ NAV/ILS / GPS on the market in the USA that would probably be a better option for you to use as an emergency back up.

You mean the Sportys SP 400 ?, I looked at that, the write ups are quite good

[A and C]

I think that Sportys is too bigger name in the USA to sell anything that is not up to scratch but that was not the unit I was thinking of.

Welcome to Yaesu.com (http://www.yaesu.com/airband/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=204&encProdID=796547F93E4D3877E36D0A749533842A&DivisionID=2&isArchived=0)

[AdamFrisch]

Get a used Narco NAV 12 or 122 for pennies. They're self contained VOR/GS units.

[A and C]

While I did consider recommending these Narco units the fact that Narco have gone bust and the equipment I'd getting old mitigates against it in terms of reliability.