iFly GPS Forum

Sam and others,

I wouldn't wait to long. We've seen he NavWorx EXP introduced at $699 and it's now $1149 plus antennas, GPS, Transmon, etc. The FAA amendment for the EXP and LSA aircraft helped to bring the price of the certified models down. However, companies like FreeFlight, NavWorx and even SkyGuardTWX are increasing prices back up some.

As we get closer to 2020, the demand rush will inevitable drive the prices up more. SkyGuardTWX has already confirmed that when the TSO cert for the non-EXP model is obtained, the price will increase. Once a company gets the TSO and "Type Certified" approval, they can then better justify higher prices to help recoup all the development and "Certification" costs.

If you are interested in a NavWorx or SkyGuardTWX, please feel free to contact me at 888-200-5129, and just ask for Shane or press Option 2. I'd recommend NavWorx for the Certified Planes and either SkyGuardTWX or NavWorx for the EXP/LSA. Look forward to speaking to anyone interested in both models. Have a great day.

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Shane Woodson
Vice President | Adventure Pilot LLC.

Hey Sam, This is David from KC, so you may know what I am about to say. I do not necessarily agree with Shane’s position that you should not wait. My reasoning is 1) you will be able to fly in controlled airspace now and after January 1, 2020 without ADS-B out. (Read the FARs that have already been published. My reading is that unless you are regularly flying fast, complex aircraft in Class D, C, B, or A airspace – you don’t need ADSB-B out.) 2) The marketplace will continue to expand/contract and you don’t want to end up with an unsupported unit or one that is technologically obsolete, 3) the regulatory environment will continue to evolve over the next 10 years or so, and 3) the so called rush and install shop shortage is a myth and won’t happen (see 1st point). Ask yourself – how old is your mode C transponder. Mine is over 20 years old. If 20 years ago I was more worried about an extra couple hundred bucks versus buying a solid unit from a stable manufacturer, it would have been a poor economic choice. By the way, do you remember when Mode C was mandated for Class B? There are still airplanes legally traversing that airspace without the mandated equipment. Finally Sam, I see a bigger faster airplane in your future (I am not preaching prosperity gospel, I just know you). Don’t waste money on equipping the Cherokee with items the next owner will not value and that you will derive little value from during the time you are holding the keys.

Sam and David,

My statement about getting it now really has nothing to do with the 2020 Mandate. Purely about being able to see the Full Traffic picture. If you are only using a "Receiver" you really need to be careful, as you are not seeing all the Mode C, S, 978 and 1090 traffic. Only pieces of the puzzle and that can lead to a false sense of awareness.

David, I agree, many will not ever need to have ADS-B Out, unless you plan on flying into Mode C areas after 2020. There is definitely hype about the install issue and demand. I don't buy it. However the market is very competitive now and that has driven prices down.. It’s just economics 101. This will remain the case over the next few years. But many and I predict the surplus of manufacturers will be weeded out and once that happen, I can assure you the prices will climb again. Once 2020 and the rush to install is over, the desire to be in the ADS-B market will soften. This is a very small industry in the GA, Private Pilot world and I just don't see it supporting more than a couple major makers.

The comment about Mode C transition speaks to the ADS-B side. I still use Mode C. The thing is ADS-B is ADS-B, it's not going to change. It receives 978mhz or 1090mhz. That freq wont change, but the FAA may add data to is. Thus you'd still be able to receive it. IE, that same FM Stereo you had 30 years ago still receives the same stations, only the content on the station has changed... was big band, now sadly maybe its pop.

My two cents... If I was selling my Plane, there are two ways to look at it. Get an affordable ADS-B In/Out so it is more marketable to a buyer, or don't and save the money to discount the price. The Aircraft market is soft right now, so if I really wanted to sell mine, I'd increase the curb appeal and ADS-B is a curb appeal at this time. Plus, I'd be able to benefit from the increased safety of ADS--B between now and then.

I hope this helps. You guys have a great weekend.

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Shane Woodson
Vice President | Adventure Pilot LLC.