> * What's it like to fly real IFR trips with an RNAV? I don't see where
> the KNS-80 holds a database of intersections, etc. It looks like every
> flight will require plugging in intersection fixes, vs just entering the
> intersection identifier.
[Levy] That is correct. A KNS-80 is a VOR/LOC/ILS/DME receiver array with a
VOR/DME RNAV computer built in. This allows you to fly point-to-point IFR
enroute (as long as you stay within the service volume of the VOR/DME or
VORTAC you're using) and RNAV (VOR/DME) approaches as well as any ILS, LOC, or
VOR approach which requires DME (either "/DME" in the title or "DME REQUIRED"
printed in the notes or on the planform view).
> * I could get a KLN89B for about the same price as KNS80, but it would
> require an Annunciator Panel (added $). The Michel MC60 would still work
> with it, and my plane already has a Glide Slope and Nav receivers that could
> also be coupled to the MC60 to give me ILS capability. But, can you really
> utilize the GPS with limited "approved and operational aleternate means of
> navigation"?
[Levy] Yes. The KLN-89B is a fully TSO'd GPS under TSO-c129. You can use it
to shoot nonprecision GPS approaches, including things like "NDB or GPS RWY
29" or "RNAV (GPS) RWY 17" which you can't do with the KNS-80. The "approved
alternate means of navigation" just means you can't launch IFR without your
VOR operating and checked per 91.171, and you have to pretend the GPS doesn't
exist when doing your flight plan alternate airport decision-making before
flight. It doesn't mean you need extra gear to file or accept GPS-based
routings or approaches, just that you must have a working VOR aboard.
> * Does the KLN89B offer enough increased functionality over the KNS80
> to justify the ongoing expense of the GPS Database Updates?
[Levy] Yes, I think it does. Further, the KLN-94 is a direct slide-in
replacement for the KLN-89B, so when you scrounge together the extra bucks,
you can upgrade to a more modern GPS with a better user interface and nicer
color screen with virtually no installation cost.
Ron
