Thread: Many questions!

Ok guys, time to bombard you with lots of questions while I'm "assembling" the options list at Tom's in Tulsa. My Cessna should be Bye-Bye tomorrow (fingers crossed).

First, I would like to put in the Garmin 375 instead of a 696 in the same position. This would offer to me some expandability in the future when Garmin gets all the other components out there like engine monitoring, AHARSS, etc. I'm not as thrilled with the Dynon stuff when compared to the G1000, but I'll get used to it quickly. There's supposed to be a new SVT version coming out within the next year, isn't there? What do you guys think about the 375?

Also, we're opting for a 330 transponder for traffic. I fly alot in the DFW area and the TIS works great there.
Also, what are the most popular, can't-live-without, options that you'd recommend? The last couple of option are the IIVS autopilot and leather seating. I really respect all of your advice and am looking forward to your ideas.

Thanks,

John

PS Guess I'll be doing a lot of searches and questions over the next few weeks. Hope you can bear with me...

Tundra wheels.

I second the tundra wheels

When I spoke to the Garmin rep about the 375 at the LS Expo in January, he was very clear that it does not have an internal battery. I like the fact that if I lose electical power in flight, the panel mounted 696 will continue to operate and help me find my way to an airport. I also find it useful to power up the 696 on the ground with its own power for loading in flight plans, updating software, etc. since it still takes me a while to do that. That is a pretty significant advantage, in my book.

Mine actually had a 375 in it (was a FD demo plane) but they changed it out for a panel mounted 696 when I bought it. While they look similar and have the same controls, I've heard the 375 does not have exactly the same feature set as the 696 since it is designed as one component of a larger system. I am not sure exactly what those differences might be, but you might want to download the manuals for both models from Garmin's website and do a feature-by-feature comparison before you make that final decision.

One potential plus for the 375 is the memory card port on the front, though I am not entirely certain what you can do with it. The Garmin rep said it was a proprietary card format that only uses data cards from Garmin, but that doesn't really make sense to me. If you can't use it to transfer updated databases and software from your computer, what is the use? I'm guessing he was wrong and you can update through there, but you should confirm that before you make your decision. With the 696, unless you are using an AirGizmo mount, you need to run a cable from behind the panel so you can plug in a USB cable for updates.

Tundra gear is a good idea.

Autopilot is cheaper from the factory.

If you think you'll want the Dynon package, get it from the factory.

Doug

My plane is sold as of today so I'm going to book the LS this weekend.

On a side note, I've been talking to Tulsa Tom at Airtime Aviation about the Tundra option. He said the LS doesn't benefit from that option like the SW did. With the LS's redesigned landing gear it is almost the same as the SW Tundra option. I don't know, I will only fly into one grass strip that is exquisitely manicured so I guess it doesn't matter. Also, I'll talk to him about the Garmin 375 tomorrow, but it looks like the 696 is the better option for now...

Thanks for your input.

I have the tundra tires on a CT, my understanding is that they are far less subject to flats whcih seem to be a common problem with the standard tires (at least here in NM with all the Goat Heads).

Arnold

The tundra tires are just as thin as the others. At least I can't imagine anything thinner than the tires that came on my tundra gear. They are history, replaced with a much more substantial tire. The side by side comparison when I made the switch was an eye opener.

As for the tundra gear. Yes, the LS has a more substantial gear than the SW. But, larger tires will roll easier than smaller ones. It only takes one time chewing up your prop because of the extra power the small tires take to get rolling and you will be glad you took the tundra option. You say you won't be going into these kinds of airports but you never know.

And, according to FD USA web site, the tundra gear also gives reinforced fuselage attachments. That, plus the larger tires, will make more airports comfortably accessible to you.

Also, think of resale.

Just my opion - worth what you paid for it!!

The tundra tires are just as thin as the others. At least I can't imagine anything thinner than the tires that came on my tundra gear. They are history, replaced with a much more substantial tire. The side by side comparison when I made the switch was an eye opener.

Tundra tire package, Michelin Airstop tubes and monster retread tires. That's the ticket.

I'll look into the Tundra tire setup. Now on to a couple of more questions...

1. Wind: I know this has been discussed ad nauseum and it totally depends on experience, but when do you guys "shut 'er down" and give up flying? What level of cross winds do you divert to another runway? We have ALOT of wind here in Lubbock and I know that I'll get more confident, but don't want to overdue it at first. Our AVERAGE windspeed last week was 32mph!!! That usually only occurs late Feb through May, then things will settle down. We had a CT come to our breakfast flyin this morning and winds are at 20mph right now. He hardly noticed it!

2. Will the AirGizmo docking station for the 696 fit in the center stack?

Thanks,

John

PS. Ordering TODAY!!!