Readback: June 2017

I just got the April issue of IFR and your editorial (Do You Need EFIS?) exactly described my dilemma! My HSI needs to be repaired and Aspen has a sale on. To get the Aspen and install it is just a few grand more than repairing the HSI. I found Put It Together: DIY SOP in the May issue to be excellent. The creation of a personal SOP is a fantastic venture for any pilot and a very worthwhile, enjoyable and educational process.

Editorial Staff

Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A pilot debating an Aspen EFIS upgrade for an older plane is advised that it's easy to learn, increases aircraft desirability, and significantly enhances situational awareness for IFR flying, despite initial concerns.
The article advocates for pilots to create and continuously evolve a personalized Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) as a valuable, enjoyable, and educational tool for in-flight reference, including emergency procedures.
It's clarified that BasicMed is generally not valid for international flights due to differing ICAO nation medical requirements, though AOPA is actively working to gain international acceptance.
The article addresses reader questions regarding IFR chart interpretation, including the use of RNAV/GPS for DME fix identification, calculation of missed approach points, and clarifying charting symbols, confirming a specific charting error.

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Just In Time

I just got the April issue of IFR and your editorial (“Do You Need EFIS?“) exactly described my dilemma! My HSI needs to be repaired and Aspen has a sale on. To get the Aspen and install it is just a few grand more than repairing the HSI.

However my plane is a 1962 Debonair and the Aspen really won’t increase the plane’s value. Plus I now have more button pushing to learn. My fear is safety. I am very competent with my current set up. (Garmin 650, etc.) I do fly hard IFR and hope the Aspen is not a mistake!