Plane upgrades before starting IFR training

[PeytonBirch]

I've had my private pilot certificate for a little over a year and I'd like to start training for IFR this summer. However, I'd like to upgrade my Cardinal's panel with at least an IFR GPS before I begin training. I'm looking for opinions on how I could best deploy about $10k to start to modernize my panel.

Here's what I have now:

KX155 Radio

KX170 (Not functioning)

ADF

Garmin GTX327 Transponder

GDL82 ADS-B Out

GMA340 Audio Panel

Stratux and Foreflight

[ahramin]

As a minimum you'll want a Garmin GPS175 and a G5 added. That still leaves you with only one radio and an old one at that and you're already over budget.

What's the nav indicator for the KX155?

Which province are you in?

[photofly]

$10k isn't enough to get an IFR panel going from what you have. And there aren't any "small increments" to get to where you want to be - it costs a whole bunch more in interconnections (that you'll redo every time you incrementally add something) than doing it all in one go.

Where do you want to get to? What GPS do you like the look of? Garmin? Avidyne? What indicator? G5? GI275? Aspen? G500?

Does your KX155 have the glide slope receiver installed? Do you have a glide slope indicator on whatever OBS/CDI it's connected to?

Does your Cardinal have an autopilot?

[digits_]

Sell your Cardinal and buy an ifr equipped non Cessna aircraft and you could make money on the deal.

[Big Pistons Forever]

Sell your Cardinal and buy an ifr equipped non Cessna aircraft and you could make money on the deal.

I think you need to decide what you are aiming for in airplane ownership. If the Cardinal has been a good airplane for you and you figure you will be keeping it for awhile then an upgrade makes sense. Right now I would suggest that a used Garmin GNS 430W paired with a Garmin G5 EFIS configured as a HSI is the best bang for your buck. However realistically you are looking at a minimum of 15 K CAD installed and it might go as high as 20 K if install issues come up.

But you will have a fully capable manufacturer supported navigator with integrated Com/GPS/VOR-LOC/ILS, a slaved HSI with backup horizon which along with foreflight, will be everything you will ever need.

I would stay away from "cheap" IFR navigators like the KLN 89/94, pre 430 Garmin GPS's, and anything by Trimble. They are not supported, have horribly terrible functionality and will add no value to your aircraft

If you are thinking about a more capable airplane relatively soon then I agree with digits. Move up to airplane already equipped rather than updating yours. The rule of thumb is you will only get back about half of what you put into an avionics upgrade when you sell.