Can I install an Avidyne IFD540 as an owner?

[Sluggo63]

Here's the question. I currently have a Garmin 530W & 430W in my panel. I am thinking about trading those in for an IFD540/IFD440. Everything I've read is that the Avidynes are direct "plug and play" replacements for the Garmins. Same tray, same connectors.

Can I use CFR14 43.3 and 43 Appendix A to exchange these myself, as the owner?

(31) Removing and replacing self-contained, front instrument panel-mounted navigation and communication devices that employ tray-mounted connectors that connect the unit when the unit is installed into the instrument panel, (excluding automatic flight control systems, transponders, and microwave frequency distance measuring equipment (DME)). The approved unit must be designed to be readily and repeatedly removed and replaced, and pertinent instructions must be provided. Prior to the unit's intended use, and operational check must be performed in accordance with the applicable sections of part 91 of this chapter.

It seems to me like it fits the description. Has anyone done this or heard of it being done?

 

[Initial Fix]

Yes. Then make a logbook entry. The IFD installation manual is really good with step by step instructions on information to get from the old radio and how to program in the new radio

 

[Jesse Saint]

Where are you located? If you buy them from me I’ll do the install and paperwork for free. Some future buyer may question the logbook entry only approach.

 

[Bell206]

Can I use CFR14 43.3 and 43 Appendix A to exchange these myself, as the owner?

Under what documents are the 530/430 installed? Does the 540/440 have a PMA or similar that states the IFD is a direct replacement for the GARMINs by specific part numbers (not model numbers)?

 

[eman1200]

Where are you located? If you buy them from me I’ll do the install and paperwork for free. Some future buyer may question the logbook entry only approach.

if I buy a G3X, 2 G5's and a GFC500 from you will you install them for free?

 

[MooneyDriver78]

Here's the question. I currently have a Garmin 530W & 430W in my panel. I am thinking about trading those in for an IFD540/IFD440. Everything I've read is that the Avidynes are direct "plug and play" replacements for the Garmins. Same tray, same connectors.

Can I use CFR14 43.3 and 43 Appendix A to exchange these myself, as the owner?



It seems to me like it fits the description. Has anyone done this or heard of it being done?

It does in my mind, I would call out the rule above in the log entry and also log that you follow instructions and tests in the manual.
I did this when I replaced the Garmin 340 with a PS 450:
“Replaced audio panel in accordance with part 43....performed tests described on section 2.11 of installation manual”

I think someone would only object if it was recently replaced, in other words, I’d be worried it was stolen. I would keep receipts to prove that you bought it.

 

[Bell206]

I did this when I replaced the Garmin 340 with a PS 450:
“Replaced audio panel in accordance with part 43....performed tests described on section 2.11 of installation manual”

FYI: while 43 Appx A allows you to physically remove/replace the audio panel it doesn't provide an installation approval for the new panel. That depends on a different set of rules. Same goes for the 540/440 mentioned above.

 

[derekbox]

Changing from radio A to radio B is an alteration. Pilots can return to service alterations.
This is a source of great debate, but my stance is this is a major alteration requiring a 337.

 

[SloRoam]

I did. Coleal letter of interpretation in 2009 makes it pretty clear.

Changing the oil is more complex and time consuming, especially when you consider oil filters, cowl, plugs, etc. Changing a tire is more complex, esp when you think of the brakes and wheel halves.

Ergo, by Coleal, unscrewing something with an Allen wrench, and sliding something in and securing it is trivial. Taking photos of configuration screens and replicating those in another screen is straightforward. Programming your flight plan is more complex.

Used the language directly from the upgrade guide provided by avidyne.

 

[Morgan3820]

I did on my Arrow. Two IAs didn’t even blink. Did the same when swapping out the Garmin 340 with the PS Engineering 8000BT. Saved a bunch of dinero on installation. Kind of the whole point, really.

 

[Bell206]

I did. Coleal letter of interpretation in 2009 makes it pretty clear.

I did on my Arrow. Two IAs didn’t even blink. Did the same when swapping out the Garmin 340 with the PS Engineering 8000BT.

Curious to see what you wrote up in the logbook for the installations and approved for return to service.

 

[JOhnH]

if I buy a G3X, 2 G5's and a GFC500 from you will you install them for free?

If I were Jesse, I would agree to that. But you might find that my sales price for the equipment is a tad higher than what the competition lists it for.

 

[Morgan3820]

Curious to see what you wrote up in the logbook for the installations and approved for return to service.

My AI copied the language included in the install manual which was reviewed and approved by FAA.

 

[Bell206]

My AI copied the language

So your APIA signed off the installs?

 

[Initial Fix]

Avidyne initiated the pilot owner self install with FAA blessing in 2016.

There are 10 criteria questions the owner must comply with including confirming it’s not a 121,129 or 135 operation, then follow the explicit installation instructions which include the logbook entry.

I replaced my Garmin with an Avidyne last year following this process. It was maybe an hour to accomplish including updating the nav database and packing the old Garmin for the exchange.

 

[Morgan3820]

So your APIA signed off the installs?

Yup, but I did the swap. My AI is a friend. In fact he just recently bought in with me on a partnership.

 

[Bell206]

Yup, but I did the swap.

That's completely different than asked in the OP.

 

[Bell206]

Avidyne initiated the pilot owner self install with FAA blessing in 2016.

Got a reference?

 

[Initial Fix]

Got a reference?

That’s what Avidyne published back in 2016. I can’t find the original source, but it aligns with what is in the installation manual.

 

[Checkout_my_Six]

So the owner is doing a wire up? lol

 

[Jim K]

Does the avidyne unit weigh the same as the garmin?

 

[Bell206]

Avidyne initiated the pilot owner self install with FAA blessing in 2016.

That’s what Avidyne published back in 2016.

An FAA "blessing" only counts if its in writing like this one below. Unless you can dig up something similar for your Garmin/Avidyne swap the point is moot.
https://www.avidyne.com/avidyne?wpdmdl=4169&ind=1553538388040

but it aligns with what is in the installation manual.

Thats not what I see in the 540 install manual (rev. 09 dated 2016) I have access to. I dont see any instructions that allow sliding out the Garmin, sliding in the 540, perform tests, and sign off. In order to use Part 43 Appx A(c)(31) to sign this off that is exactly what the installation instruction must state. Unfortunately it doesnt. While it states the Garmin racks and wiring can be used there are a few other checks required prior to installing the 540 that are outside the pilot prevent mx ability. But the hammer drops a few pages further when the manual states that all VFR installs are considered minor alterations... which a pilot can not sign off. There are a few other issues as well but the 540 manual doesnt give you the option to install under Appex A.

 

[Morgan3820]

An FAA "blessing" only counts if its in writing like this one below. Unless you can dig up something similar for your Garmin/Avidyne swap the point is moot.
https://www.avidyne.com/avidyne?wpdmdl=4169&ind=1553538388040

Thats not what I see in the 540 install manual (rev. 09 dated 2016) I have access to. I dont see any instructions that allow sliding out the Garmin, sliding in the 540, perform tests, and sign off. In order to use Part 43 Appx A(c)(31) to sign this off that is exactly what the installation instruction must state. Unfortunately it doesnt. While it states the Garmin racks and wiring can be used there are a few other checks required prior to installing the 540 that are outside the pilot prevent mx ability. But the hammer drops a few pages further when the manual states that all VFR installs are considered minor alterations... which a pilot can not sign off. There are a few other issues as well but the 540 manual doesnt give you the option to install under Appex A.

This issue seems to be very important to you.

 

[EdFred]

Commercial pilots complain their jobs are being stolen because someone flies their friends pizza, A&Ps claim their jobs are being stolen because pilots know how to use an allen wrench.

 

[Bell206]

This issue seems to be very important to you.

No. I just call it as I see it. I started posting on PoA because someone confused opinion with fact and almost cost an old client $2000 instead of $4.00. Same goes for a couple others here I pointed toward the facts vs opinion. The post was about installing a IFD 540 under prevent mx. I simply provided the facts for you or the OP to decide which path to follow. Nothing more.

 

[Bell206]

A&Ps claim their jobs are being stolen because pilots know how to use an allen wrench.

Ha. Pilots might know how to use an allen wrench but they always prove time and time again they don’t know how to use their little gray cells effectively when it comes to aircraft and maintenance. Why is it so difficult for them to follow simple rules? And here I thought you were smarter than that.

 

[EdFred]

Ha. Pilots might know how to use an allen wrench but they always prove time and time again they don’t know how to use their little gray cells effectively when it comes to aircraft and maintenance. Why is it so difficult for them to follow simple rules? And here I thought you were smarter than that.

Nope. I swapped out my 340 for a PS audio panel all by myself.

 

[Morgan3820]

Nope. I swapped out my 340 for a PS audio panel all by myself.

And we are better for it.

 

[Checkout_my_Six]

Nope. I swapped out my 340 for a PS audio panel all by myself.

Oh my....how did you ever do the paperwork?

 

[Morgan3820]

Ha. Pilots might know how to use an allen wrench but they always prove time and time again they don’t know how to use their little gray cells effectively when it comes to aircraft and maintenance. Why is it so difficult for them to follow simple rules? And here I thought you were smarter than that.

Some, but not all. My AI is good but he will admit that I caught a few things that he missed and solved a few problems that he didn’t have an answer for. But I know my limitations. We are smarter when we work together. Kumbuya.

 

[EdFred]

Oh my....how did you ever do the paperwork?

Aviate, Naviagate, Communicate. I don't see a collate in there.

 

[Bell206]

Nope. I swapped out my 340 for a PS audio panel all by myself.

And we are better for it.

Ha. Such the outlaws. No matter. Have seen enough of this go full circle to still get a kick out of those who flaunt the system and think they beat it.

 

[Uncjump]

I know this thread got off target, but there is a specific exchange guide from Avidyne authorizing the exchange under specific conditions. It includes the following log book entries and requires all the typical steps of replacing the AFMS and startup tests. It's funny though that you can do this as well as database updates, but can not do a software version upgrade without A&P involvement.

5.5 Log Entry
The pilot who performed the Nav/Com/GPS navigator exchange must log that activity in the airplane’s maintenance records (Airframe logbook). The entry must include information indicating the removal of the GNS unit, insertion and configuration of the Avidyne IFD unit, replacement of ICA and AFMS, negligible weight and balance change, dated, signed with pilot certificate number. Either use the sticker provided with the IFD or write the entry in manually.

A sample is included below: The following preventive maintenance has been performed to this aircraft in accordance with 14CFR 43.3, Part 43 Appendix A and Avidyne IFD4XX & IFD5XX Series NAV/COM/GPS Navigator Exchange Guide, p/n 600-00316-000. Removed previously installed Garmin GNS4XX(W) (and/or GNS5XX(W)) and installed Avidyne IFD4XX (and/or IFD5XX) into existing Garmin radio tray(s) and performed functional checks per Sec. 3 and 4 of Avidyne IFD4XX & IFD5XX Series NAV/COM/GPS Navigator Exchange Guide, p/n 600-00316-000. Replaced Garmin GNS AFMS with Avidyne AFMS p/n 600-00298-000 rev 0X. Removed Garmin GNS Instructions for Continued Airworthiness from the aircraft records and attached Avidyne ICA p/n AVIFD-315, Rev 0X.

Weight and Balance change is negligible.

This aircraft is approved for return to service. Jan 01, 20XX John Q. Pilot Cert. #

 

[Salty]

if I buy a G3X, 2 G5's and a GFC500 from you will you install them for free?

He probably would if all the wiring, pitot tubing, mounts, and antenna's are already installed properly for a slide/plug in fit.

 

[Aloui]

So, the answer to be legit, is you must have an A&P or better logbook entry. CAN you do it yourself: of course, if you're capable. Check all the items in the install manual, as mentioned above by Salty. But, get the logbook entry signed by your A&P.
You will be extremely satisfied with Avidyne! Exceptional pilot focused support.

 

[aggiepack]

So, the answer to be legit, is you must have an A&P or better logbook entry. CAN you do it yourself: of course, if you're capable. Check all the items in the install manual, as mentioned above by Salty. But, get the logbook entry signed by your A&P.

I respectfully disagree. Provided that the Avidyne IFD 4xx/5xx just replaces 1:1 an installed Garmin GNS/GPS 4xx/5xx in accordance with the "Acceptable Replacement Combinations" list (so e.g. no IFD540 against a previously installed GNS430) and the swap meets all the other stipulations in the Avidyne Exchange Guide, the log book entry can be signed by owner/pilot without an A&P certificate if he/she meets the criterias 14 CFR 43.3 Appendix 1

 

[Bell206]

the swap meets all the other stipulations in the Avidyne Exchange Guide,

FYI: except the Exchange Guide doesn't provide the required part approval (STC or PMA) needed to install the 540 in the aircraft. So while it may meet the Avidyne Guide stipulations it doesn't meet the FAR requirements for replacement parts.

 

[aggiepack]

The Avidyne 5xx unit is STC'ed (SA0035BO) and comes with an AML. And as long there is no need to tamper with the existing wiring, the existing tray and other components during the swap, it is preventive maintenance under 14 CFR 43.3 Appendix A.

 

[Checkout_my_Six]

The Avidyne 5xx unit is STC'ed (SA0035BO) and comes with an AML. And as long there is no need to tamper with the existing wiring, the existing tray and other components during the swap, it is preventive maintenance under 14 CFR 43.3 Appendix A.

Who does the electric load analysis to verify that it conforms?

 

[Bell206]

The Avidyne 5xx unit is STC'ed (SA0035BO) and comes with an AML.

That it does. But in order to use that STC it requires the installer to use the associated STC data namely the Master Document List (MDL). A quick check of the MDL doesn’t find your Exchange Guide 600-00316-000 in the sequential list (or anywhere) for installation procedures as shown below. So the Exchange Guide is not covered by the STC and as I mentioned earlier that standalone Guide does not meet the FAR requirements for replacement equipment approval.

And as long there is no need to tamper with the existing wiring, the existing tray and other components during the swap,

Same basic issue on the existing wiring. As I mentioned back in Post 22, where the STC does address the Garmin replacement is in the Installation manual 600-00299-000, which is listed in the STC MDL, and it goes on to state (below) that all the existing (Garmin) electrical wiring requires verification per the manual drawings. Which definitely takes it out of the Part 43 preventative maintenance category type of task.