Quote:
Originally Posted by saxbill
Here is the very encouraging reply from EI:
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We are currently working with the FAA on a two other projects, we anticipate these projects to be completed within a month or two. Once these projects are completed we will be moving forward with the CGR-30P/C AML update to include the Skymaster. Working with the FAA has slowed down a little bit, due to COVID, but I hope to have the updated AML before the end of this year.
Please feel free to check back with us in about two months to get an update. Hopefully we will know more by then.
Thank you.
Mac S. Speed
Electronics International Inc.
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I'll let you know if I start to figure out our config!
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All,
I got an email similar to the one above in June.
June 2021 Update on progress:
I am less enthusiastic about equipping with CGR-30 this year. I started inquiries with EI in prep for annual last December, and as of June 2021--they've not even sent in the AML update paperwork yet. In anticipation of such a delay, I asked my FSDO about the field approval process--and they wouldn't even consider it. My FSDO sent this:
"It is indicated in the Major Repair alteration job aid provided in the attached Advisory circular 43-210A CHG 1, that for Major Repair /Alteration Approval in the Normal, Utility, Acrobatic, and Commuter Category Airplanes; regarding; avionics; installation (element) D.13k (description) Electronic flight instrument systems (EFIS) that display primary flight information to meet regulatory operating requirements. (Classification) STC
Noting the element and the classification that is proposed, the installation is not within the scope of a FSDO ASI to accept, based on the information provide. It is recommended to apply for a STC or seek out an existing approved STC installation for the Cessna Aircraft model 337G."
--Translation: I asked the question wrongly...or failed to provide the right information...or it's a no-go until AML is updated...
Note: I
did not mention that other Skymaster owners were attempting CGR-30 field approvals, and getting better results that I got. YMMV. If anyone gets CGR-30 field approval, would you please post your "approved data" so others can try?
Here's the list of what's out there now (only EIS-TXI requires dealer install):
Unit STC? Est. Base Cost Notes
EI CGR-30* NO $12180 Fits current panel
EI MVP-50 YES $14580 panel mod
JPI EDM960 YES $15590 panel mod
GI-275 EIS
NO** $10600 Interface with FS210 & Garmin Pilot
EIS-TXI*
NO** $16885 alone or + $9480 with G-500Txi installation
Insight G4 YES $5500 Twin G4 can replace EGT/CHT only
*Both Garmin and EI say they're working on AML updates to include C-337 aircraft, but apparently, these are slow processes, and completion of such projects in 2021 for 2022 installations is a "maybe."
** I spoke to a friendly Garmin dealer about self-installing GI-275 as EIS. No problem, says he...let's just double-check the limitations section of the installation manual...lo and behold, there is a limitation that states "Do not install as EIS in centerline-thrust aircraft" Turns out, the SAME limitation exists in the Garmin EIS TXI installation manual. So, even though the Skymaster is on the STC/AML for these units...they still cannot be installed in a Skymaster as EIS. And, my friendly FSDO guy says to install a non-STC EIS system takes an Engineering Eval at the Wichita ACO...so you need to hire a DER to write up an approval package for the ACO, which will cost plenty, and then wait a couple years to see if it's approved.
--Since engine indication/monitoring is a priority for me, I'm now leaning towards the JPI EDM-960. Anyone know how much we can get for a kidney these days?
--LJ