REFLECTOR: FW: GPS for IFR

[lawrence epstein]

You can use it all you want, as long as the approved source is functional, had the appropriate checks/logbook entries and is your "primary source of navigation" "additional source" means just that. Your approved source is considered primary and must be functional and on.

that having been said, the accuracy of a modern GPS is well worth the investment (even a portable 196 is going to be accurate, even if not IFR approved). The main difference between an IfR or IFR/approach GPS and a non approved unit is the error tolerance and alerting. Approach certified GPS must have Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) which will alert you immediately if you are no longer getting adequate reception/reliable position information.  

Personally, if I am in a cloud and flying toward the edges of the air (where all the danger lies!!)(ie; approach to landing), i want to be confident that my primary source of information is accurate and reliable.   IFR GPS is not the place I would try to save money.  If you plan to fly IFR regularly, I would strongly recommend the Garmin GNS 480 (get one before they stop selling them). It is a way better box than the 430/530 (which are really VFR boxes with IFR/WAAS approach capability). ALternatively, the new King box has COM/NAV/GPS(WAAS)/transponder/traffic(option)/MFD all in one and looks like a great IFR box. 

The difference is in the software. If you live in the Northeast. They still give primarily Airway routings. With the 430/530, you have to put in each waypoint on the airway manually (from the chart). Not fun if you get a re-route in the air or p/u a clearance in the air. With the 480 (and the new king box and most FMS systems) you put in the 1st waypoint on the airway (where you will intercept) and then pick the airway from the list of airways that pass through that waypoint, scroll to the lst waypoint on that airway (where you will depart that airway), press enter and you are done! takes about 30 seconds.   

I'm a believer that if you are going to fly IFR, you should do it often (ie; practice approaches regularly and actual when you can) to stay proficient. The margin of error is just too small in most GA aircraft. I'm not saying not to do it (I love flyin IFR and file 90% of the time in the Bonanza), just make sure you do it well and in a disciplined manner with the best equipment available (and a good autopilot).

Sorry about the soap box. Just got back from 2 hours of practice approaches/holds with an nonfunctioning autopilot!. I'm beat and a little wired!

Larry Epstein

Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:22:56 -0800
From: aminetech at bluefrog.com
To: reflector at tvbf.org
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: FW:  GPS for IFR

That's very helpful.  I'll have to check the centerline distance.  I understand my plane is IFR approved for VOR.  If my GPS is not approved, can I fly IFR with it, or only if the VOR is not working?  I'm looking for the meaning of "additional source".
 
John

--- ljepstein at hotmail.com wrote:

From: lawrence epstein <ljepstein at hotmail.com>
To: Reflector Reflector <reflector at tvbf.org>
Subject: REFLECTOR: FW: GPS for IFR
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:51:31 +0000

I forgot, it must have an up to date database.

Btw: you can use any GPS (even a handheld with an old database) as an "additional source" of Nav. Info, as long as you have IFR approved Nav. equipment as your "primary source of navigation)





From: ljepstein at hotmail.com
To: reflector at tvbf.org
Subject: RE: REFLECTOR: GPS for IFR
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:47:25 +0000

GPS must be TSO'ed for IFR enroute, approach +/or WAAS. The box itself must be an approved box and the installation must meet certain specs to use it IFR (eg; CNX 480 display has to be no more than 13.4" (I think that is the number) from the "centerline" (center in front of the pilot) or a remote annunciator has to be added in that space (for WAAS approaches).

Larry Epstein





Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:38:34 -0800
From: aminetech at bluefrog.com
To: reflector at tvbf.org
Subject: REFLECTOR: GPS for IFR



My plane came with an Apollo GPS and I was told that it was not suitable for IFR.  Someone recently told me that any GPS can be made suitable for IFR.  If so, I'd like to know how as I'm working on my IFR ticket.
 
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