Today's Message Index:
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1. 05:17 PM - eAPIS PIREP (David Feinstein)
2. 09:34 PM - Aspen EFD-1000 (Lawrence Massaro)
Message 1
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Based on reports I've read, I was concerned about how things would work out
in the Brave New World of international travel.
Many of the early reports were awful, but they might be chalked up to growing
pains, My experience has been very good so far.
Last week, I registered for eAPIS. I paid the same attention to all their
disclaimers and requirements as I do to those of Microsoft, so I will not
report about what onerous requirements they place on their users before
granting admission.
Acting on Mr. Gary's advice, I registered my usual passenger as "crew." This
retains her credentials in the system, so I don't have to look them up every
time we cross the border. You can enter any number of crew this way, and
select which ones you want for any particular manifest.
I was accepted into the system the day after I first registered, and my crew
info was accepted immediately thereafter. No particular difficulties with
entering any of the required information.
About half an hour ago, I submitted a manifest for a trip that I might take
tomorrow. It took almost ten minutes start to finish, partly because I made
some mistakes. I was guided easily through correcting those mistakes.
I was asked for a "call sign" and a decal number, which I did not provide.
Despite a couple of warnings, I found that I did not need to submit either
piece of information.
Within SECONDS of completing that process, I got an email from DHS saying,
among other things, "Based upon the information submitted, you are cleared for
departure." I guess Milady and I are not on any Don't-Fly list.
Conclusion: It's a minor PITA, but the system seems to be functioning
smoothly now. I'm intentionally ignoring my feelings about civil liberties,
just commenting on how well the new system works.
I don't know how far in the future a flight could be for one to submit a
manifest. Maybe one of our BBP brethren could testify about submitting for a
return a couple of weeks in the future, assuming poor internet service in
parts of Mexico.
Message 2
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(posted to other group today based on a thread a while back - for
Team Grumman subscribers reference)
A while back a few people asked about the Aspen that I installed at
which time I hadn't had much time to really use it enough to provide
a full report. Well, move the clock forward four months and here is my report:
History:
Installed in November 2008. At the time I was really busy with work
and had only limited time flying with it. Approximately six weeks
after install (~5 hours of ops), during taxi, the display went
completely white and could not be reset. I was pretty bummed at the
time...The MFD unit was replaced and no problems since (about 50
hours on it since replacement). One item to note is the first unit
ran very hot to the touch. The replacement does not feel nearly as
warm to the touch as the original. My feeling is that Aspen must
have done something in later builds to reduce heat buildup (better
fan, more efficient heat sinks?..don't know..just my
observations). Maybe they found some issues in the early hardware revisions.
Installation:
The EFD-1000, as installed, is interfaced to a GNS-530, and STEC-30
A/P. Since it provides an integral HSI and LOC/GS, I removed the
original LOC head for NAV2 and moved the LOC/GS from NAV 1 to the
second radio (a new GL30). Installation took about ten calendar days
in the shop. Some minor issues with the configuration of the
interfaces were encountered but were fixed in quick fashion. Note:
This was the second or third install of an Aspen at the avionics shop
so with everything, I'm sure there was a little bit of a learning
curve. I had no issues with the install and had great service after
it was installed including answering questions, tweaking some setup
parameters,etc. Aspen tech support also was prompt on email just
replying to general operation questions..
Operations:
Good - The display is really cool. Essentially, the entire 6-pack in
one LCD display.
Good - Wind vector information nicely displayed. Helps a lot on
Instrument approaches knowing you have a 15 kt x-wind
Good - HSI. I simply love having an HSI.
Good - Integral GPSS functionality. The Aspen feeds HDG data to the
A/P in HDG mode to fly approaches,holds, etc. Sweet...GPSS was next
on my list to Santa, so getting that helped justify the extra $$$ for
the Aspen
Good - I like the ILS/GS/WAAS approach display superimposed on the
AI. The Aspen is can take feeds from NAV 1 (ILS/WAAS 530) or NAV2
(ILS - GL30). Kept the GI-106A head as a backup to the Aspen
Bad - Not a big fan of the primary control placement. Not that they
can be put anywhere else (bottom left and right). They seem a little
awkward at times setting various things with you having to reach over the yoke.
Bad - Maybe you can in one of the Setup Modes, but I haven't figured
out how to adjust the vertical position of the airplane in the
AI. Level flight shows 10 degrees down. It has been on my list to
call Aspen and check as there are many calibration parameters (I'm
sure that has to be one). A simply AI adjustment dial functionality
could have been added tot he multiple use control knobs for this.
Just OK - Airspeed and Alt tapes. Some people love them, some hate
them. Maybe I haven't really gotten used to them. Since my steam
gauges for Alt and A/S are next to the tapes, I simply disable them
and it cleans up the AI display.
Just OK - The GPS functionality of the Aspen will overlay GPS tracks
and map items (i.e. Airports, Navaids, etc) over the DG/HSI or ARC
display. To me, its a little too much clutter and I always select
maximum filtering on the display.
The learning curve to operate is fairly short. The learning curve to
fly using it under the hood or in IMC is obviously more. This
upgrade was a pretty big change to my panel. I waited until I passed
my IFR checkride to start this upgrade and am glad I did not do it
mid-training. I have since gone up with an instructor and done a
mini IFR refresher course simply to get used to flying it under
IMC. I would assume it is akin to flying a G1000 vs. Steam. The
differences are large enough that unless you have the buttonology
down, you quickly fall behind the airplane. Under VFR, it is a piece of cake.
With all that said., I really do like it and would recommend it to
anyone wanting to upgrade. Out the door costs ran about 15K.
BTW...I also ended up doing a new panel upgrade this past
month. Pictures (sorry for the less than stellar quality - only had
a cheap camera at the time) of the new panel with the Aspen are at :
<http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=lmassaro1127&target=ALBUM&id=5327311641576966001&authkey=Gv1sRgCPu2q6SI3OP0fQ&authkey=Gv1sRgCPu2q6SI3OP0fQ&invite=CLvvyacP&feat=email>http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=lmassaro1127&target=ALBUM&id=5327311641576966001&authkey=Gv1sRgCPu2q6SI3OP0fQ&authkey=Gv1sRgCPu2q6SI3OP0fQ&invite=CLvvyacP&feat=email
If anyone is considering this upgrade (based on the state of the
economy, I don't expect many...but ya never know) and has any
questions let me know (either on or off group).
Fly safe....
Lawrence Massaro
9186M
1992 AG-5B KRNM
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