Piper PA-28-180 Challenger 1973

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Piper Aircraft PA-28 180 Challenger 1973
N15101
Owner: Mike Maynor

About Me

I have been flying since 1976 but did not own an aircraft until 2007. I brought this 180 in September of 2007. I primarily use it for cross country flying and occasionally use it for local sightseeing flights. I am based out of Herlong in Jacksonville Florida.

My Panel (Before and After)

My Cherokee 180 had a decent IFR panel when I purchased it including dual nav-com’s, a Northstar M3 IFR GPS, DME, and a Century Autopilot. I had some trouble with the autopilot and the Northstar M3 was not supported by Jeppesen anymore so I started looking to do a complete panel upgrade. The avionics shop recommended the Aspen Pro since I was installing a Garmin GNS430 and S-Tec autopilot. By the time I added the cost of buying a new DG, CDI, and GPSS it didn’t cost much more to buy the Aspen system instead since it included a DG, HSI, and GPSS already. Plus the Aspen Pro was actual Glass!

My Aspen Experience

I really love the Aspen Pro PFD. The display may be a little small, but it is crystal clear and sharp! I don’t have any problems reading it. I certainly like the HSI and super imposed GPS display better than anything else. It makes flying airways and approaches a snap. It is very easy to quickly locate your position on a chart. The only thing I am having some difficulty getting used to is the airspeed and altitude tapes. I still find my eyes wandering back to the old backup steam gauges for that information. I am sure that given enough time I will start using the tapes more.