---------------------------------------------------------- TeamGrumman-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Tue 04/21/09: 2 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 05:17 PM - eAPIS PIREP (David Feinstein) 2. 09:34 PM - Aspen EFD-1000 (Lawrence Massaro) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 05:17:37 PM PST US From: "David Feinstein" Subject: TeamGrumman-List: eAPIS PIREP 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 _____________________________________ Time: 09:34:04 PM PST US From: Lawrence Massaro Subject: TeamGrumman-List: Aspen EFD-1000 (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 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Matronics Email List Services ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post A New Message teamgrumman-list@matronics.com UN/SUBSCRIBE http://www.matronics.com/subscription List FAQ http://www.matronics.com/FAQ/TeamGrumman-List.htm Web Forum Interface To Lists http://forums.matronics.com Matronics List Wiki http://wiki.matronics.com Full Archive Search Engine http://www.matronics.com/search 7-Day List Browse http://www.matronics.com/browse/teamgrumman-list Browse Digests http://www.matronics.com/digest/teamgrumman-list Browse Other Lists http://www.matronics.com/browse Live Online Chat! http://www.matronics.com/chat Archive Downloading http://www.matronics.com/archives Photo Share http://www.matronics.com/photoshare Other Email Lists http://www.matronics.com/emaillists Contributions http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These Email List Services are sponsored solely by Matronics and through the generous Contributions of its members.