Anybody know anything about the Garmin GPS Pilot 3? They're a hell of a lot cheaper (can get one for about $300AUD). I realise they're not colour and a bit smaller, but hey, its $1500 cheaper. Any opinions on these?
I have had a Pilot 3 for six years and still find it eminently satisfactory. The screen is BW and smaller than the latest models. I find it quite OK for VFR. I use it primarily for tracking and airspace boundaries/steps. I put my flight plan into it and compare the headings, distances and times with what I get from Airnav flight planner, before going anywhere near an aircraft.
I have almost all the alerts turned off as I find they distract me from real navigation. I have refreshed the Jep database several times.
I agree with other comments, buy locally so you get the right database. I got mine at Pacific Avionics at YSBK.
If you can get a Pilot 3 (I thought they had been superseded) go for it. PM me if you want anything more.