Yup..... I said that when I bought my PC12 in 2013. They've made massive improvements which I've written about here many times also. It's rock solid now. The ONLY catch is the startup procedure which I've found a workaround for.

I agree the Honeywell system is very good. Once you learn it, it's super intuitive and fast. Seems like a lot less buttons, menus, sub-menus, clicks (or taps) than Garmin.

I raised hell in front of a room full of people at a Pilatus conference event in Atlanta. They didn't know what to make of me. I think I was the only owner operator there. Having to buy a laptop dedicated to updating the Nav data every month was too sucky to let pass. You had to connect to the computer system with a coaxial cable and I think I paid $700 for the coax cable and mini computer you used to set it up. Then you still had to know how to write code to get it all to work. It sucked so bad.

The Honeywell had loads of issues until 2014 or so.

Not on an NG, but I might consider a G3000 but even then, there would be marginal benefits over the Apex. I like the Apex so I don't see any reason to pay much to replace it. It will continue to get better.




I think their new system with auto throttles is really nice. With the TXi out, I'm not sure IS&S can get enough enough installs to really support a business out of it. I hear legacy owners complain about their factory installed EIS going bad and not having a good solution for that, until now; both the TXi and the IS&S take the old EIS out.

I've seen "dirt" take a long time when the GPS cannot find it's position. When I'm doing DB updates in the hangar, this is common or at an FBO with a large overhang shade. One way to overcome this is to manually set your position in the Apex and you'll see dirt a lot sooner.

Speaking as a legacy owner, why even contemplate the G1000 when you can get the G600Txi (with the big screens!) for 1/3 of the number you quote?

I think, finally, the legacy birds are getting their due from the aftermarket. If you want the coolest thing, get the IS&S (autothrottle!, vertical compliance like a real FMS). If you want a substantial upgrade at much lower cost, get the G600 Txi. If you want upgraded onboard radar there are now options from both Honeywell and Garmin. And, there's rumors of the G700 autopilot becoming certified soon for the Series 9 and 10.

With the new G600 Txi, you avoid the need for most of the HAPP costs, you avoid the non-insurable risk of the ADAHRs in the plane and you get fully integrated ADS-B in/out. Easy peasy.

My financial analysis says: put the G600 Txi in now, fly for 4 years (more fun and less risk of AOC) and you get your money back in avoided HAPP and other MX.

It's not supposed to come online until above 65% NG I believe, but I need to review that to be 100% certain. Brent will be able to explain 100%,

How did you do that inflight?

You don't wear a headset?
I don't find the SETP that quiet that a headset isn't nice to have...

You use a hand mike or did I miss the joke?
J

This raises engine temp too and it's not a quick fix. Mine takes about 5 monies of fiddling with before it manages itself. Easier just to INHIBIT ACS. Besides, once the plane is hot, it doesn't cool down no matter how much the AC runs. You gotta climb to colder air.

Are you referring to a Pilatus or a SETP?

Do you have the 5 blade prop Jason? I think they’re quieter. The one I fly is the 4 blade and it’s loud enough that I appreciate the A20’s, although pax don’t wear any ear protection in the cabin.

Maybe that's why they've never worn them.
Just sayin'...

I wear halo's but it's not quiet up front. Cabin is fine, although I still headsets with noise cancelling are nice to have in the cockpit.

I do not have the 5 blade prop.