>> for $2,000..is this too good to be true?

Gerard,

“We are not recommending that the EFIS-D10A be used as a primary flight instrument for IFR flight at this time.” –Dynon website, FAQ

There has been great discussion on this matter in the past.  As experimental builders, we determine what is safe to install in our planes and what is not.  We don’t need TSO’d equipment to fly IFR (except for the FAA required list.)  That does not mean that common sense should be ignored either. 

The members on this list agree (a rare occurrence) that Lancairs are excellent cross-country machines.  They are fast, capable, expensive and, at times, a handful.  At the speeds these planes fly, cross-country weather conditions can change unexpectedly at a moment’s notice.  There was a loss of a Lancair recently as an experienced pilot entered a storm cell while flying IFR.  How he came to be in that situation is a matter of some speculation. His primary flight instrument was an earlier version Dynon.  Entering a storm cell is a virtual death sentence regardless of the equipment.  A more capable PFD will give a pilot much more stable and reliable information about his situation. In a life or death situation, which would you prefer?     

I am not Dynon bashing.  Experimental development is what this community is all about.  I believe that there are appropriate airframes to install these in.  IMHO, it doesn’t belong in a high performance aircraft as a PFD.  

Someone on this list had a great rule of thumb ratio of expected build costs.  If my memory serves, the panel should equal the cost of the engine.  In other words, as the capability of the aircraft increases, so does the capability of the panel.  There is friendly disagreement about this also. 

Please plan your panel based on the expected mission and unexpected conditions.       

Richard Freilich