Avidyne Vantage 12
Avidyne Vantage upgrades are well underway. There are many older Cirrus aircraft out there that are equipped with the Avidyne Integra I Systems. All owners of this vintage aircraft are being faced with choices about what to do in the future regarding these systems as the Integra I Systems are fading. Speaking with Avidyne, they still support the Integra I systems and will continue to do so until such time they cannot; there is no clear answer when this will happen. At this point, all that is known is that certain parts are no longer available and they are using parts from used units to perform repairs. I’m guessing that many of these used units are those being returned as part of Vantage upgrades.
There are two basic groups of Cirrus Owners with Integra I:
- Those that have already upgraded to IFD’s and/or DFC90
- Those that have not
One thing is certain (assuming an upgrade is made), that choosing to continue down the Avidyne path with Vantage is the least expensive path as compared to going down the Garmin path albeit, the gap has narrowed with the release of Garmin AXIS. Deciding on the best path for each aircraft/owner is a discussion that should be had with a shop that can support both paths.
The most basic Vantage upgrade consists of replacing the 2 displays with new displays and installing a DFC90 Autopilot (if not already done). As of current release, the Vantage system will function with existing GNS430W and GTN650 units for a $3,500 fee.
From here, choices can include:
- Dual IFD440’s
- IFD540/550 and IFD440 (note: if an IFD540/550 is desired, a remote AXP322 transponder and Skytrax 200 for ADS-B In is also required to obtain space for the larger IFD540/550).
- Dual Redundancy Kit
We have done several Vantage upgrades to date. As with any new product, there have been a few growing pains but the end result has been good. The only weak link to this upgrade is the retension of the SIU or DAU (as applicable). The new Vantage system utilizes this unit as it is the gateway for Engine Data. At this time, those units are difficult and expensive to repair if they fail therefore the ‘weak link’.