GI275’s
Since the introduction of the GI275’s around 2019, there has not been another product that offers versatility, functionality, and capabilities at a price point that is reachable to most if not all aircraft owners. Upgrading to GI275’s is hands down the best value for the dollar of any option to date, especially when considering what they will provide. The key to statement is understanding that these units are fully TSO’d (Certified).
The most common configuration is a pair of GI275’s (top instrument AI/ALT/AS) and bottom instrument (slaved HSI). Most discussions, at this point, bring up the subject of G5’s (Certified) as a lower cost alternative. To understand this choice, one must understand what the word “Certified” means in the advertisements as its’ actual meaning is likely not what many thinks it means. In this case, the word “Certified” does not mean TSO’d; it means that Garmin has provided an ‘approval’ basis (via STC) for installation of G5’s in a ‘Type Certificated/Certified’ aircraft. The G5’s purchased for a “certified” aircraft are the same G5’s you would buy for anexperimental aircraft. The higher price is for the same product that includes a coupon used to obtain an STC Permission Letter.
But what does that mean to you as an aircraft owner and pilot? From a pilot perspective, this means that the pilot is not legally allowed to use the G5 AI (top instrument) for Altimeter or Airspeed; the pilot/owner must rely on and maintain the mechanical Altimeter and Airspeed for flight. Why? Because they are not TSO’d. What purpose does the G5 Altimeter and Airspeed serve? They are there for Reference Only; reference the limitation section of the G5 FMS. This is not just a Garmin G5 thing. Other manufacturers with similar products fall into this same limitation.
In contrast, the GI275’s are TSO’d therefore not only can a flight be predicated on using the GI275 Altimeter and Airspeed, since both units are TSO’d, one is a backup for the other so legally, your mechanical instruments can be removed at time of installation or at any point in the future. A pair of GI275’s is the only 2 display system that fits in two standard instrument holes that has this level of certification. Aspen can replicate this with four instrument holes but at a much higher price point.
Autopilot Interface
The GI275’s are capable of driving many autopilot systems that are non-Garmin; the G5’s are not and will only work with a Garmin autopilot.
Cost
Though more expensive that a pair of G5’s, the cost difference is minimal compared the capability avaialble in the end. In most cases, the GI275’s are $2,550 more (installed) as compared to G5’s installed. However, if you have an autopilot that needs a primary pitch and roll reference input, this version of GI275 is about $1,500 more. Lastly, I mentioned a pair of Aspen displays as having equivalent capabilty. The cost difference between a pair of Aspen displays (Evolution 2000 MAX) and a pair of GI275’s is $8,000 to $9,000 (GI275’s being the lower of the two).
Bottom line is that a pair of GI275’s is the hands down best value for the dollar compared to anything else. That said, if you desire a large screen solution, then take off the gloves and let’s go there.
It should be noted that the GI275 as a 3rd or 4th instrument can be an MFD or EIS Display.