If you want IFR capability in a Dynon SkyView HDX system you have to buy an external GPS from Garmin or Avidyne. That adds to the installation labor, requires panel space, and sometimes creates potential failures if external wiring bundles chafe or their connections become compromised from vibration or are damaged during maintenance. Dynon says it has a solution.
Ahead of AirVenture 2026, Dynon announces a built-in IFR GPS for the SkyView HDX systems. All but eliminating the radio stack by integrating WAAS GPS units inside the HDX, a built-in GPS module makes for cleaner panel layouts and—you would think—less hardware costs. Dynon hasn’t said how much the option will add to the current SkyView HDX for experimental and certified systems, but did say compatibility will be unlocked with a no-cost software update.
An entry-level single-screen HDX Certified package (there are over 600 aircraft models on the Approved Model List STC) starts at $11,992 for the 7-inch display and $13,373 for the 10-inch display. Garmin’s GPS 175 2-inch GPS-only navigator is $6,250 and Avidyne’s IFD440 is around $15,000 with built-in navcomm and WAAS GPS. But Dynon already has integrated VHF comm modules, plus ADS-B transponders, somewhat muddying the third-party IFR GPS buying decision.
As for the integrated IFR interface, Dynon says the WAAS GPS module will work with the company’s autopilot for flying coupled LPV approaches, plus the interface will have SIDs, STARs, and other procedures you’d find in a full-up external IFR navigator. The IFR procedures will be supported by a subscription-based commercial database. Current Dynon HDX systems have Jeppesen data and there’s an option for electronic procedural charts.
Dynon says while the internal GPS interface isn’t yet certified and it’s currently talking with the FAA on a TSO certification path, it decided to make the announcement before it’s available—noting that the MOSAIC regulations take effect this July, enabling more LSA models to fly in actual IFR. It pointed out that as LSA manufacturers rejigger IFR avionics options for their aircraft, a SkyView HDX with internal IFR GPS will be a worthy option because it saves space because it will no longer require a traditional radio stack with a third-party external GPS.
While Dynon didn’t disclose who will build the new GPS module (which of course also requires an antenna), it’s worth mentioning that the company recently purchased Trig Avionics last year and has repurposed some of the Trig product line for use in a SkyView suite. We’ll keep tabs on the interface and report back as it progresses.
Thank you for your coverage on this Larry. Lots of us have been waiting for this capability and I’m excited to see the progress. The math, unfortunately, still isn’t great due to this upgrade requiring HDX. I have two classic Skyview screens, so in round numbers my path to the new GPS includes $9500 in new screens, maybe -$2000 in selling the old screens, plus the purchase of the new module of unknown cost but maybe another $1000? The other path is a Garmin 175+Dynon 429 module, at a $3000-4000 lower cost. It will take a lot of features to justify that premium.
This must be the plane used in “Cannon Ball Run”
This is a great idea and a potentially a fantastic way to bring down hardware and installation costs. A lot of the complexity gets removed too. I could see installing the display, power, antennae and pitot static and then… done. How much time would that cut from installation costs? Imagine a full glass IFR panel installed for under $20K maybe under $30K with autopilot.
It’s fabulous that Dynon is acting as a real counter to the Gar-illa in the space, not only with great hardware but also with very reasonable data subscription costs. Remember, most of the aviation data comes from the FAA for FREE, then gets electronically re-packaged for the avionics to install. Dynon’s partners do this for a fraction of what the other legacy avionics company(s) charge. It’s a real advantage for Dynon and makes keeping your data current an easy decision – and as such keeps aviation safer.