Piper PA-24 260 Comanche GTO 1965

About Me

I have been flying since 1972, but my Comanche 260 (Alice) is my first owned plane since 2001.

Based at Phoenix, Deer Valley, I fly predominantly Az-severe clear VFR, but love the challenge of IMC often flying to Santa Barbara, Ca (SBA) or Pagosa Springs, Co (PSO), visiting family.

My Panel (Before and After)

Modernized the original 1965 panel with modern avionics and a Century 2000 autopilot with mechanical non-slaved HSI. The first HSI overhaul was in 2008, and then again a costly “minor” repair of the same unit… Enter the Aspen Evolution!

My Aspen Experience

The maiden post install Aspen flight home was fantastic. I encountered solid IMC at 14,000 for about an hour and absolutely loved learning the Aspen “ropes” returning home.

The situational awareness is phenomenal with the RMI function, Approach Minimum reminders, and TAS/Winds aloft indicators showing me the 50-60 mph head winds changing to tail winds!

How did I get along before without this incredible technology?