All this is mere observations and speculations from someone who has no
financial training or credentials and whose opinions may be considered
biased because of his close affiliation with Chelton.

Hamid,

 

Interesting.....  After all, Chelton succumbed to the lure of experimental aircraft by offering a special package.  Why shouldn't Garmin?

 

Garmin has about 25,000 430/530 GPS installed in the field.  They are losing money on converting such units to 430W/530W for a nominal fee, even if they have been a bit slow.  It may matter only to them if they are now going to market products to the experimental/LSA field, already about 26000 strong, if it makes long range marketing sense.  Garmin is pulling in profits hand-over-fist by introducing innovative consumer products such as the Nuvi and Zumo (I have one) while maintaining a fabulous reputation in the user community (aviation, marine, auto, motorcycle, hiking, etc).  Egads, their new units even use a non-Garmin base sensor, the very sensitive SIRF GPS receiver.

 

BTW, I don't see Chelton being adopted by every certified aircraft manufacturer - maybe there is something in the specs/price combo that just doesn't ignite everyone's interest.

 

Let's not assume that Brent is right in thinking that Garmin would be losing money by entering the experimental field - the next might be LSA's, then ?????

 

GRMN: $30/shr to $50/shr in one year.  Gee, they must be doing something right.