Garmin 496 and Part 135

[Coastin]

Is anyone using Garmin 496 or 396's in a part 135 operation for "supplemental information"? If so what must be done to get it approved by the FSDO? How about the use of any other portable electronics?

 

[Rxflyer]

I was under the impression that anything that is not hard wired into the plane does not require FSDO approval, as long as you establish that they don't interfere with the "real" electronics.

 

[Coastin]

Well that was what I thought........I was just wondering if any other 135 operators are using them. Looks to me like a nice tool.

 

[RedGuy]

I know a couple guys that use portable GPS's in the plane. I don't really see the point, all our A/C already have panel mounted GPS.

 

[cvsfly]

We use a 396 for supplemental info. Cheapest way to get XM Weather for us. BE-200. Velco mount on top of pyramind cabinet behind co-pilot seat. Antennas run up the right side - GPS on side window and XM on glareshield. Take it down for FAA types. We did have our UNS-1M loose the GPS once due to a bad antenna and once for the unit itself. 396 shows the airspace where the UNS-1m does not plus a whole lot more. Totally portable. Other semi-inexpensive options for XM Weather would require a remote mount (Bluetooth) hardwired in the aircraft with a portable display in the cockpit. No TSO/STC approval so no 135.