MauleDriver(at)nc.rr.com
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 Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 6:17 am Post subject: Garmin 496 vs 396 |
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I've been flying with a 396 for a couple of years in my IFR equipped
Maule. My panel and it's backup was designed pre-396.
As an ultimate, last resort backup the 396 (and 496) is a leap ahead for
me. Independent navigation, gyro function, power and light makes it
quite capable. A quantum leap from where I was. I wouldn't design an
IFR panel around it (except as a weather device at which it excels), but
would no longer fly in IMC without it onboard given my somewhat dated panel.
I haven't touched a 496 but would recommend the 396 as a price
performer. The 'gyro panel' is good enough to fly blind on (I've done
it in practice), the weather is the same, the music is the same. Taxi
diagrams would be nice on the 496. I do spend some time making sure I
have the local road maps whenever I travel because the memory on the 396
does not allow you to load the entire countries roads, restaurants,
stores, etc into the system (oh no!). I can load something like Pgh,
Atlanta, NC, and most of FL. If I wanted to add say Wash DC, I might
have to offload something. The 496 can load the entire US I
understand. That's all a road map statement and has nothing to do with
aviation function. I understand the 496 has the AOPA airport Directory
loaded too. That would be nice but I have the same thing on my phone.
My panel is build around a Garmin 300XL whose refresh rate is from
another century. The 396 is blindingly fast to me. I'm sure the 496 is
even much better. You can't be too fast or have too much memory.
Bill "building a QB '10 in Durham" Watson
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