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We're likely to be in the market for a new Nav/Com. This will be replacing a KX145.

The most ideal would be something like a KX125 that has a CDI built into the display. That way we don't need the indicator on the panel and can free up that hole.

A side thought here, I would be spending a very minimum amount of money, (actually, I wouldn't spend any at all), for a VOR radio these days.

Bill

Well, I generally agree there are more productive options than a VOR based navigation system. However, spending a ton of money on a GPS based navigation system that costs more than the aircraft is worth makes even less sense. Also, we still need a comm regardless.

I would be content with a Comm-only radio, and a Nav-only something. Maybe a KNS80, or and older used GPS, something that can drive the indicator.

Bendix-King CDI's require Bendix-King radios to drive them. It might be cheaper to sell off the (expensive) King components amd opt for far less expensive alternatives in the interum, saving your money for a later Nav/Com/GPS upgrade. Narco compatible CDI's work with just about anything but Bendix, and can be had for pennies on the dollar, compared to avionics shop offerings. Ebay is a good source if you shop carefully. Installing a different system is not that difficult, which I can help walk you through.

What we have now is:
1 dead KX145 (trashed)
1 ICSplus Nav/Com
1 Panel CDI for the 145.

The ICSplus is a feature rich radio designed by an dyslexic idiot on acid who has never been in aircraft. It has a display integrated CDI and GS as well as a mediocre intercom. It works fine. But the controls are incredibly stupid and it is invisible at night. We'd either keep it as Nav/Com 2, or sell it on eBay for about $5 OBO.

We have RST-504 audio panel in a box. Untested, might work, might not.

So we would need a radio with integrated intercom, or we'd need to hope the audio panel works.

... or Garmin. The GNC-250XL is a fairly capable unit for the price, with VFR GPS. It would drive your existing CDI, or you could just use the built in map display if you wanted to free up that hole for something else. It can also take an input from your altitude encoder (for when the satellite constellation gets too small and altitude precision goes down).

I've got one sitting on a shelf, waiting for an appropriate project to come along that needs a radio. Here in the western states, I've given up on VOR. What stations remain in service are often blocked by terrain at altitudes typical for a C-150, so GPS is really the way to go.

They seem to go for around $2200 (eBay and private sellers) to $3200 (avionics shops); with rack, datacard, and antenna.

Installation manual is at http://www.aeroelectric.com/Installation_Data/Garmin/GNC250XK-GPS156XL_IM.pdf

Why?

This http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flig...entations/12-01_Discon-of-VOR-update.pdf

Also, a VOR needle ain't going to be able to drive ADS-B out in 2020.

True, but even the FAA admits (in Kendel's link) that they can't completely do away with VOR service. There goal is to reduce service to a minimum (yet to be determined) by 2020. That means there will still be some "needed" VOR's beyond 2020. Personally, I'm still equipped for VOR and have GPS (which has failed me in the past). As long as VOR is still available, I will use it. No reason to remove a working system. I doubt that I will ever need to "upgrade" to ADS-B, anyway!

+1.

From the report: <<"...Analysis indicates about half the VORs could be discontinued and provide a level of the service with no point further than 77nm from a VOR, no airport with a VOR/ILS approach more than 100nm from any point. VORs in western mountainous area, Alaska, Hawaii, other islands/territories retained...">>

I'm not so sure I would go so far as to buy a brand-new navcom, but a nice used one still makes sense.

As for me, on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, I (and several other pilots) had planned for weeks for a 300 NM trip to Chino, CA for the AOPA fly-in. Plan was to leave at dawn. Wouldn't you know it -- a 700+ foot layer of calm marine overcast -- 800 foot ceiling, 1500 foot tops. No problemo. File IFR using iPad/Foreflight; get clearance from TRACON via iPhone; and I'm on my way via E16 RWY 14 departure procedure. I used the VOR for exactly five minutes until I broke out the top, canceled IFR, and flew the rest of the way VFR in sunny blue skies.

However, when I got to Chino, I find out that, unexpectedly, there is still a -- you guessed it -- calm marine layer hanging over the entire L.A. basin. Planes are turning around and canceling their trips left and right. I ask for a pop-up clearance to Chino, and they guide me right in via KCNO ILS RWY 26R, safely, no fuss, no muss. All using my simple, trusty KX-155 + KI209 (with a little help from my iPad). And, no complex, expensive GPS system required.

Most of the aforementioned systems will still be in place -- for me at least -- after the year 2020. VOR/ILS/LOC still is very much in use, and very useful, and will be well beyond the year 2020.

As for ADS-B...thankfully my home-base airport is outside of Class B or C. I'll probably go without it.