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Avidyne IFD550: GPS Nav With Attitude

Aside from connecting to an iPad running the IFD100 app, which adds a second IFD550 display/control set, the navigator connects to a Bluetooth keypad as another option for data entry. Its standard on every IFD model and adds to the choices of how you interact with the navigator. There's the native hybrid touch, knobs and keys, plus you can interact with the navigator from the iPad and remote keyboard. It really caters to a wide variety of users

Larry Anglisano
Verified

Since the release a few years ago, Avidyne has earned considerable industry respect for its IFD-series retrofit navigators simply by doing what buyers expect. It has incrementally advanced the interface by adding clever features and utility, while being mindful of third-party compatibility. It also curtails the installation effort with a plug-and-play interface with Garmin’s legacy GNS-series WAAS navigators.

While the flagship IFD550 navigator can easily drop into an existing GNS530W installation (or be wired from scratch), that’s about the only thing it has in common with Garmin’s old interface.

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.