The cost would have been supply and installed approx $12,000.00
I also spoke to two different Bell test pilots and after hearing their comments I decided against it.
here was what I questioned in an e-mail; I was doing some research and I wanted to know your opinion on Radar Altimeters. Would you ever see a need for me to install this option in the new 407GX?
I do plan on flying in the winter quite often and landing on snow covered lakes or other large snow covered areas.
You know I am all about safety and with my experience level far from being a professional I simply would rather be safe than sorry.
Here is the answer I received from one;
Rad. Alts. reflect off "terra firma" ground or water surface. They actually are in error in general over snow and do not address trees or obstacles.
This is what actually caused the Polar First Crew to crash in 2003 when they followed a Rad. Alt in error in Antarctica over loose snow.
That being said: It is a safety enhancing device if used properly. One can't knock safety items! It is designed to keep you from inadvertently descending into the ground or water by unintentionally losing altitude and provide a true reference to your actual height above ground (not altitude). As you know pressure altimeter has massive errors with temperature change. (- in cold, + in heat)
If you would rather be safe than sorry that is all good but you will also have to know how to use this equipment to your advantage.
So after reading this I am not sure if RadAlt will be good for your white out conditions over glaciers.
Last edited by olymbec; 2nd October 2012 at 04:19.