TomM
 

TomM,

I fabricated a new pilot side panel out of piece of 2024 T3 (I think it was 0.060" if I recall). I wanted to layout everything exactly as I wanted, remove a few things I no longer needed. I knew it was going to be a tight fit, so I traced out my old panel on some paper, and started laying it out using the old pencil and ruler. I had played around with some online tools, but I needed to be exact.

Once I thought I had a pretty good layout, I transferred my dimensions to a sheet of Lexan, and using a hole saw, made a test panel. This was a key step in making everything work - as you can see from my photos, I had to do a lot of modification to the G5 mount plate to clear the other instruments and the panel mounts at the top. My goal was to get my '6 pack' as high on the panel as I could. Once I made the panel out of Lexan I installed instruments and installed in aircraft. From this I made some changes to my final measurements for the metal panel.

Once I was happy with everything, I made my own metal panel, making the investment in a instrument punching tool (ATS 123C) and the instrument holes template (ATS T123C). Again, I considered the idea of using a local company with a water jet, etc, but this tool did a beautiful job!!! Again, test fitted everything and spent a day with my files customizing all the holes - then had it powder coated locally.

This is not the first instrument panel I have done, and I would not do it any other way. Buying a few tools, some lexan on Amazon and some 2'x2' aluminum from Aircraft Spruce, was so easy, quick and allowed me to get it right the way I wanted it. I strongly encourage you to look at doing the same, so you can lay it out exactly how you want it. I am also happy I went with the flush mount of the G5s.

Good luck!
Jeff

Aspen Choice
 

I went the Aspen Evolution route. The PFD and the MFD are both 1000's. I did get the synthetic vision. New software provided the backup battery necessary to remove the vacuum pumps, which I did. A few months ago I added a RCA 2600 to the panel so now I have three attitude indicators. The cost installed was less than $15,000, including the RCA 2600. It took two weeks down time and I am still waiting for the paperwork so I haven't flown it. On time and on price. I have a Nav O Matic 300 (oh boy!) autopilot, so no auto pilot at all. My GPS Navigator is a Garmin 530 WAAS. I still have to find a traffic and weather solution or ADS B in, as my out is with a Stratus which is not compatible with the Aspen. Right now I use an iPad running FlyQ and a DUAL XGPS 190 for ADS B in. Next is an autopilot solution and fuel management. Any suggestions for an autopilot? Also I just want to count the fuel used. Nothing fancy just want to know what's in the tank. Suggestions? Photo is by the installer and the film is still on the screen

New Panel
 

Jeff:

Thanks for the rundown and the pictures, extremely helpful!!

Tom - anytime! All the best with your project.
Jeff

template
 

Jeff:

Any chance you have that plastic template still hanging around???

Template
 

Tom,

I might still have the template...I wont be able to check until Friday as that is the next time I will be out at the hangar.

Jeff

Thanks!
 

That is awesome Jeff! Let me know what you come up with. Since your new panel is 95% what I would like may panel to be, it would be a great starting point. Keep me posted!

I thought I would give some follow up on the UAvionics AV-30C certified indicator discussed earlier on this thread, as I did get clarification from them beginning of this week. I got the following emails:

"Hello Whitney,

Your aircraft was initially added to the AML but the FAA has removed it because of the twin engines. We are trying to get them to put it back on and it looks like they are going to do it but it may be a month at their pace.
The newest firmware supports the dual vSpeeds as well.
We have had a lot of customers doing field approvals with no issues.
Sorry for the confusion.

thanks,
[I redacted name]
uAvionix Support"

I personally had one installed in the time window when Skymaster approval was first given and noticed one on a member's panel photo, so got additional follow-up regarding one already installed (as I bet an update would be required):

"Whitney,

When we have the update there will be 3 ways to do the update. One will be with a serial cable to a computer. We will also be using something called an AVLink that will wifi the software update to the AV-30. Or if you don't want to do any of those things we will have you send in the unit.

Thank you,
[I redacted name]
uAvionix Technical Support"

Stay tuned. May be additional option to consider.
As I previously stated I have kept my OEM indicator too, as it drives autopilot.
PS-don't shoot the messenger

WSLADE, I hope they do get it approved for the 337. I would really like to have one.

Even if they do, I wonder if it will be approved for turbo and P models, since the published specs have a limitation of 200 knots, which both of these models can easily surpass in cruise flight?

Cruise speed
 

Mark - I believe the AV30C is approved for single engine aircraft up to a 300 knot Vne... This should not pose a problem getting approval for the P337.

But the bigger question I have is what modifications do you have for the Skymaster to cruise faster than 200 KIAS? Ha ha - just a little humor, I think you were referring to TAS.

Jeff

Here is the actual wording from their website: "The current AV-30-C AML applies to Part 23 single-engine aircraft operating under 200kts."

I thought the limitation meant TAS, not IAS. But that does make sense. The actual wording does not mention TAS or IAS, but if you default to the conservative definition, it means TAS.

Evidence to support my interpretation is this: Look at the AML for Bonazas (Under Textron) - only the NA models are approved, there are no TC models listed on the AML!

Also, if I understand correctly, there is no way to have a blue line on the airspeed indicator under the current software?

subsequent to the last post I posed this question to UAvionix regarding the AV-30C and blue line indication on the device:

me:
"Thanks. As I am a twin, will software update [after 337 added to AML] allow programming for “blue line” (vyse) airspeed to be graphically indicated?"

Uavionix technical support:

"Yes we will be adding Vyse and Vmc.

Thank you,
[I have redacted the name]
uAvionix Technical Support"

AV-30-C can be field approved --as supplemental--for Skymasters. When UAvionix posts updated software to include twins, the display can be updated in the field.


Link to SOAPA thread with details of field approval of AV-30-C installation:


http://www.337skymaster.com/messages...ead.php?t=5008

Yes, but under the NORSEE program, it may only be approved as a secondary indicator, it may not replace the primary, as it may with all the aircraft that are already on the AML list.

Many of us want it as a primary, not a secondary, but this is better than nothing.

Whoops, missed that post on doing the field approval. Thanks that’s extraordinarily helpful.
When the AV30C first released, UAvionics stated skymaster was on the AML. I know because I was frequently in contact about having 337 added to the initial certification list and preordered an AV30C. They guaranteed skymaster approval when they reported my unit ready to ship. Then someone woke up and rescinded approval after I had my unit installed without bothering to tell me. I’ve kept my OEM equipment. In meantime been communicating with UAvionics about the hiccup/reversal every few weeks and as you report, at some point (they promise not too far in future) will provide software update for twin compatibility. Theyve gone over the process of in the field software change or unit can be sent in to be programmed once available. I will continue to bug them and continue nudge them about skymaster being added back to AML list as originally done.
In meantime been contemplating moving the AV30C over to my 182 and putting an Aspen in the skymaster.