LSA Values Declining?

[SportPilot]

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[dstclair]

Keep in mind a single glass panel (Skyview, G3X, or prior generations) weigh less than an analog 6 pack and may help in resale.

[designrs]

Keep in mind a single glass panel (Skyview, G3X, or prior generations) weigh less than an analog 6 pack and may help in resale.

Interesting, I personally like a single glass panel so that half of the panel is clear to mount iPads. Especially the newer displays that can TRIPPLE-pane. Yet I would fear resale with single glass for buyers who want to fly with two pilots or possible training use. Thoughts?

Also I kind of got the idea that Vans is moving towards dual displays after mostly presenting single panel options in the RV-12.

[Nomore767]

Keep in mind a single glass panel (Skyview, G3X, or prior generations) weigh less than an analog 6 pack and may help in resale.

Interesting, I personally like a single glass panel so that half of the panel is clear to mount iPads. Yet I would fear resale with single glass for buyers who want to fly with two pilots or possible training use. Thoughts?

Also I kind of got the idea that Vans is moving towards dual displays after mostly presenting single panel options in the RV-12.

I would say you buy what YOU want and need today. Let a future buyer decide what THEY need to add. In any case, adding a second screen isn't that difficult. Who knows what technology will be available in a year or two? You could always have a second screen added at time of sale, as part of a deal.

I think single screens like the Garmin/Dynon Touch provide everything you could need to fly as a sport pilot, all in one unit. The only thing I would add is form of back-up and as you mentioned, the space on the right side of the panel could be used to add an iPad etc. I've thought about the iFly 720 myself although I'd have to plug it into the outlet as it doesn't have a battery, and I don't like loose wires, that's just ME. On the other hand it's very capable and only about $800 versus almost $5k for a Dynon/Garmin.

It's true that Vans is going to be offering dual screen displays as an OPTION but you can still choose the single screen. A second screen does add about $5k to the price. If I had one I'd probably keep it on full screen VFR sectional and I'd only get it if it's independent of the first screen and so is a proper 'back-up'.

[designrs]

Good opinions.

It just felt like Vans was presenting the single display as "setup" and then shifted to more to a dual preference. Maybe it was just my take.

On the other hand, most of us will inevitably spend some time flying with a pilot buddy so it's nice to be able to give the right seat a primary display as well. Also dual displays are pretty indispensable if you truly want to share PIC responsibilities.

[Wm.Ince]

Good opinions.
It just felt like Vans was presenting the single display as "setup" and then shifted to more to a dual preference. Maybe it was just my take.
On the other hand, most of us will inevitably spend some time flying with a pilot buddy so it's nice to be able to give the right seat a primary display as well. Also dual displays are pretty indispensable if you truly want to share PIC responsibilities.

Can't recall if anyone has mentioned it, but with dual SkyView displays, there is automatic redundancy.
If either display fails, the remaining display will show PFD (a/s, alt, hdg and attitude) at 40% area, moving map at 40% area and engine data at 20% area. So, in essense, you lose nothing, although data is compacted at a reduced scale.
By default, engine data must always be shown, regardless of how many displays are operating. So, for instance, if you manually turn off the display with the engine data, or it failed unexpectedly, engine instrumentation would automatically transfer to the good side, without any pilot input. If a moving map were not selected by either side to begin with, the good display would then default to 50% PFD and 50% EMS (engine monitoring system).

[FastEddieB]

If I was going to purchase an LSA, I would want little more than a comm radio, transponder, and ADS-B out plus needle, ball, and airspeed. All the other stuff does NOTHING to increase the utility of the LSA and adds weight.

Having started my flying career before GPS, I'm still amazed at the utility of simple Garmin handheld (in my case a 496).

With just that, and an iPad for charts, its hard to imagine needing anything more!

Speaking only for myself, my panel is perfectly fine for VFR cross countries:



I've had large screens and two 430's and an autopilot and engine monitoring and anti-ice and traffic. I simply don't think they fit my image of Light Sport flying. Personally, I think too much stuff in a Light Sport actually detracts from the experience.

But to each their own!

[Wm.Ince]

If I was going to purchase an LSA, I would want little more than a comm radio, transponder, and ADS-B out plus needle, ball, and airspeed. All the other stuff does NOTHING to increase the utility of the LSA and adds weight.

Having started my flying career before GPS, I'm still amazed at the utility of simple Garmin handheld (in my case a 496).
With just that, and an iPad for charts, its hard to imagine needing anything more!
Speaking only for myself, my panel is perfectly fine for VFR cross countries: . . . I've had large screens and two 430's and an autopilot and engine monitoring and anti-ice and traffic. I simply don't think they fit my image of Light Sport flying. Personally, I think too much stuff in a Light Sport actually detracts from the experience.
But to each their own!

Eddie,
I totally agree with you. . . .

You can easily go anywhere with a VHF radio, transponder with mode C and an iPad with VFR sectionals as backup.
That's all I really used from San Jose, CA. to Tampa, last March. It was a blast! . . .

[MrMorden]

Since Eddie started the panel porn, I'll play!

I like my panel. A basic glass panel with backup instruments (the analog VSI has since been replaced by the autopilot head), and a RAM mount for the iPad. I use the iPad for most navigation, and the 496 for backup and to drive the autopilot.

[Wm.Ince]

Absolutely nothing wrong with that Andy. It will take you anyplace you want to go.

[drseti]

I would say you buy what YOU want and need today. Let a future buyer decide what THEY need to add. In any case, adding a second screen isn't that difficult. Who knows what technology will be available in a year or two? You could always have a second screen added at time of sale, as part of a deal.

That logic works perfectly in the certified aircraft world, Howard. In the SLSA universe, one should make sure the manufacturer is going to issue an LoA for that second screen. Without it, you're stuck.

[CTLSi]

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[Nomore767]

I would say you buy what YOU want and need today. Let a future buyer decide what THEY need to add. In any case, adding a second screen isn't that difficult. Who knows what technology will be available in a year or two? You could always have a second screen added at time of sale, as part of a deal.

That logic works perfectly in the certified aircraft world, Howard. In the SLSA universe, one should make sure the manufacturer is going to issue an LoA for that second screen. Without it, you're stuck.

Paul,
You're right. The point I was making (badly) is that 'technically' the second screen might not be that difficult to add, and of course, if SLSA, the manufacturer's approval is required.
An example, at Vans, as they get ready to offer a second screen option for the RV-12, then you could opt for a single screen, and possibly add a second screen later.
Point also was that you should buy the avionics you want now and not the avionics that might make for a better sale prospect later, in my view.

[Wm.Ince]

. . . "In the SLSA universe, one should make sure the manufacturer is going to issue an LoA for that second screen. Without it, you're stuck." . . .

What do you mean by "stuck?"

[drseti]

If you fly an SLSA (not everybody does), and need to upgrade avionics for ADS-B Out compliance (not everybody does), and your plane's manufacturer won't issue an LoA (not all of them will), then your only recourse is to re-license your plane as an ELSA.