When I advise a client on how to equip their aircraft for Light IFR, I use this template:
What Avionics should you have to fly Light IFR Safely?
In my opinion, to fly Light IFR you need a capable pilot and: (in the order of priority)
- Dual comms and dual nav sources (VOR, ILS, GPS*)
*IFR GPS has become a standard IFR navigation tool - An audio panel with markers and an intercom (required with 2 radios)
- A Mode S ES ADS-B compliant transponder (WAAS is required) or a Universal Access Transceiver/Transmitter (UAT)
- ADS-B IN WX and traffic (traffic is most important)
- A basic autopilot
- Enhanced engine monitoring (beyond factory basics)
- A 406MHz ELT
- Reliable gyro’s and vacuum pump are assumed!
My client and I are focused on the TOOLS you need to fly in the clouds. Note: If you are starting from scratch, if none of the avionics in your panel have any redeeming qualities, you’re looking at about $55,000 to equip with the list above and that’s using the Trio Pro Pilot Autopilot in the mix. Simply stated, these are the priorities. I seldom talk about accessories with my clients, the little things you can add to your panel that can make things a little easier or can even make the flight safer.
I remember one client who was removing an old ADF, and its indicator and he asked what he could put in the hole left behind. He didn’t want an empty hole.
I wasn’t used to thinking that way, but I’m sure we found something to fill the hole that also contributed to the flight in some little way. Here are some items that can add a lot for a little. We’ll keep it under $1500 installed.
An Instrument Bug ($11.95 at Aircraft Spruce). An instrument bug attaches to an instrument, like your altimeter, and serves as a reminder of where you should be.
Attach it to an oil or fuel pressure instrument and it may show you deviations from normal you might not notice without it.
Revere ComfortMax Inflatable Lifejacket / PFD ($130 at mypilotstore.com). PFD means Personal Flotation Device for this discussion. I’m in Florida and the islands are a tempting option for Southeast pilots. Whenever you expect to fly for extended time over water, a life raft or PFDs are required. Life rafts are heavy and bulky. The ComfortMax inflatable is comfortable to wear, inflates automatically and just might save the day.
Portable VHF Backup Com Radio (Sporty’s PJ2+ at $199). A portable in your flight bag protects you from a com or electrical failure. It’s a must for a VFR pilot with only a single panel-mounted com but it makes sense for any pilot. The Sporty’s PJ2+ is simple and uses alkaline batteries (not rechargeables). Your aviation headset plugs directly into it and that’s exactly what you want in a backup portable radio when you need it.
Spot X Two-Way Personal Tracker ($250 at mypilotstore.com). Spot X provides 2-way satellite messaging so you can stay connected to family, friends and colleagues whenever you’re outside of cellular range, including direct communication with search and rescue services in case of a life-threatening emergency. Note: A subscription is required.
BluLink II Bluetooth Music/Cell Phone Adapter ($260 at Pilot-USA.com).
I’m positive about having music in the cockpit on cross countries but if you’re flying behind a legacy audio panel without this capability, the Pilot USA BluLink is an affordable way to add wireless music and cell phone capability.
B-Kool Portable Cooling System ($299 @ PilotMall.com). Summer flying can be bumpy and hot! Well, at least you can do something about the heat. The B-cool portable cooling solution uses ice and a fan (12 or 24 volt) and can give you up to 2 hours of 40-degree cooling air. Optional remote lets you turn it on as needed.
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