Avidyne and its IFD-series GPS navigator project has taken a beating from both customers and the dealer network. It’s no secret that the company has slipped several times on its IFD certification and delivery projections. Worse, Avidyne offered a pre-delivery sales incentive that required early adopters to pay a refundable deposit in exchange for a sizable discount on the cost of the IFD540 or IFD440 unit. Some of those customers have received or are requesting refunds because of undelivered product.
But not all buyers are disgruntled over Avidyne’s certification delays. We’ve heard from position holders that remain patient as Avidyne continues to endure the rigors of the FAA certification process, and postings on Avidyne’s online project update forum, avidynelive.com, has more than one counterpoint from positive buyers who feel that waiting for the IFD is a better option than buying from the competition. That competition is Garmin, of course. There’s also Bendix King’s KSN770, a touchscreen navigator that’s years overdue and currently stalled in the certification process.