Yes.  For an experimental aircraft everything in the EFIS is legal to fly.  When you get your aircraft registered, just tell the DAR that you want it certified for IFR and he’ll tell you what you need to do.  Of course you’ll have to comply with CFR 14 91.205(d), which is the list of things your aircraft must have to be certified for IFR.  But everything EFIS/One (or EFIS/Lite!) has that’s on that list is legal to use.

• VFR operations require the EFIS and an ELT (according to CFR 14 part 91.205(b)).
• IFR operations additionally require a NavCom and altitude reporting transponder (according to CFR part 91.205(d)).

We recommend an Airspeed indicator, an Altimeter, a Turn Coordinator (or EFIS/Lite that does all three!), along with a transponder, and a pair of NavCom radios with an external Nav head as a complete EFIS-equipped panel. I even like the idea of keeping the EFIS and one radio alive on a separate buss, but I tend to over-engineer things. Per FAR 91.205 to fly in the IFR system you have to be able to navigate via VOR, have your airdata instruments checked every two years and have a standard rate turn gyro on board. EFIS/One qualifies as your gyro instrument, ASI and Altimeter.

Make sure you feel both safe and comfortable flying in the kind of weather you'll file for both with and without the EFIS. Technology is great, but please be safe.

Q: What else do I need to legally fly VFR / IFR?

Here's the EAA response.  EAA gave us their take on this topic....view their report here




Q:  Is EFIS/One difficult to install? 

For a piece of equipment as sophisticated as EFIS/One, we’ve tried to make it as easy to install as we could.  But remember, it’s a very advanced technological marvel that uses electricity to work.  If you’re not too good with wires and electricity, or computers, for that matter, you may save yourself some time, trouble, and headache by finding someone who is comfortable with these things and have them install it.  Some of our customers have had no trouble getting it installed, and others have gotten frustrated.  You’re the best judge of your own abilities --if you’re not sure, take a look at our BMA Approved Installer List for someone nearby. 




Q:  How much does it weigh?

The entire EFIS/One system weighs less than 4 lbs.  The autopilot servos weigh 3 lbs. each.   The EFIS/Lite system weighs less than 3 lbs. 




Q:  Do I have to subscribe to the software and database update service?

Yes, for the first year.  After that it’s up to you.  When you consider everything you get, it’s really a great bargain.  You get:  Terrain, airspace, and airdata updates; all the improvements and upgrades we make to the software; and toll-free technical support.




Q:  Can I hook up an approach-certified GPS to EFIS/One or EFIS/Lite? 

EFIS/One accepts both serial and analog inputs from external radios and displays course deviation both laterally and vertically.  All BMA EFIS products have a full analog resolver section to drive radios like the Garmin 430 and 530 and a serial input for digital radios like the SL-30.





Q: How does the EFIS display compare to my laptop's?

All Blue Mountain EFIS products have what are called"high brightness" displays, meaning they use power to drive a backlight against the sun. This is the same technology used in high-end civil and all military cockpits for a display that is direct-sunlight readable. The Nit is a unit of illumination, with a laptop coming in at around 70 Nits. EFIS/One uses a display designed for avionic systems that drives between 1500 and 2000 Nits of luminance. This brightness, combined with the anti-reflective coating, is what makes the display sunlight-readable. Compared with transflective or low-brightness displays, nothing even comes close to the readability of these high-brightness coated optics.  RV drivers have reported being able to read the display while flying formation on a ship equipped with EFIS/One.




Q: What operating system do you use?  Is it Windows / Linux / etc.?

The processor is a National Geode GX2 booting up off the metal from FLASH memory.  The EFIS runs under RT/Linux, an embedded real-time Unix kernel designed and certified specifically for avionic and high-reliability applications.




Q: How reliable is it?

We don’t have statistical data for the sum of the parts, but we know that the individual parts have MTBFs as high as 18,000 hours.  The best thing to do is follow the Installation Guide’s instructions to set it up on the bench first… if it works there, it’ll work in your airplane.  The most common problems are related to installation errors.




Q: How long does it take to boot up?

From power-on to fully operational is less than 30 seconds. Gyro re-erect takes less than 6 seconds to be flyable and less than 10 for full accuracy.




Q: Can each screen, in a two screen system, display different information?

As our displays are 10.4" we display the same information on each screen on a dual display system.  Other systems that use smaller screens have to split the information into multiple screens, as there simply is not enough room.  Both the pilot and co-pilot can see all the information with the EFIS/One dual display setup.  EFIS/One, EFIS/Two and EFIS/Sport all support repeater displays.





Q: How do I control the EFIS?

A pair of concentric knobs provides Prev / Next, Up / Down and Select functions. Four discrete panel switches control various other system functions such as calling and dismissing menus. We did formal usability analysis on the controls and most people found them both intuitive and comfortable, even in turbulence.




Q: Can I use my FADEC for engine gauges?

Yes, simply install a single cable between the FADEC controller and our EFIS/CPU.  Currently the Aerosance and PowerSport FADECs have been implemented.




Q: What instruments does EFIS/One take the place of?

To do the same thing, you'd need at least:

1. Single cue Flight Director
2. 2-Axis Autopilot
3. Attitude Indicator
4. HSI
5. Remote compass
6. Airspeed indicator
7. Altimeter
8. Altitude alerter
9. Altitude blind encoder
10. VSI
11. Slip/Skid Indicator
12. Turn and Bank Indicator
13. Clock
14. Digital OAT
15. GPS
16. Moving map display
17. Navigation database
18. Fuel totalizer
19. Flight data recorder and analysis package
20. Fuel Level
21. Fuel Flow
22. Tachometer
23. Manifold Pressure Indicator
24. Coolant Temperature
25. Voltmeter
26. Oil Pressure Indicator
27. Oil Temperature Indicator
28. Cylinder Head Temp
29. Exhaust Gas Temp
30. Ammeter
31. Vacuum Pump

Q: What's not in the package or what else do I need?

You'll need whatever sensors you want for your engine. We've got them all. Call for details on your specific engine, be it a PT-6, Rotax, radial or anything in between.




Q: Can I use my EI, Westberg, Bosch, etc. sensor?

No.  We support the sensors we provide.  You can use any Fuel Level sensor that puts out a VOLTAGE or a RESISTANCE to ground since these tend to be installed already when people look at electronics.  Everything else we've got in stock.




Q: Can I name the gauges whatever I want?

Of course!  The gauges shown as RPM, Manifold Pressure (Mfp) and the sixteen (16) engine gauges can be configured as whatever you'd like them to be. You can name them, set the minimum and maximum limits, redline (if needed) and a valid range of values to spot a dead sensor. It's your airplane -- set it up your way.




Q: How are map and database updates supplied?

Database updates come from Jeppesen, software from us on this website.  Download what you need and put it on the USB stick that came with the system, plug it in and away you go.




Q: What areas are covered on the maps?

High resolution terrain is available for the entire world and is shipped for your local area (North/Central America, South/Central America, Europe, Asia, Australia / NZ).  Please let us know where you are so we can get the right terrain loaded for you.  Aviation maps cover the whole world regardless of terrain selected.

Q: What do the updates cost?

Database and chart updates are bundled with annual support for $395 a year. This also gives you access to email and telephone support and system upgrades as they are released.




Q: I'm flying an auto engine. Can EFIS/One be used with my Mazda / Subaru / V8 / etc?

Yes, quite a few people are doing that very thing.





Q: Is EFIS/One certified for GPS approaches?

On the advice of our most trusted avionics dealer and partner, we have decided not to pursue it.  For what it will cost to do TSO C129A testing and certification, we'd have to raise the price of the EFIS by more than the cost of a high-volume certified unit.  We think it's a better deal to have a reasonably priced glass cockpit, and the interconnect available for those who want to fly GPS approaches.  If you have a certified GPS, you can plug it in to drive the flight director and autopilot in approach mode.




Q: How do I set up EFIS in my plane?

The Setup and Calibration programs supplied with the system allow you to define what the sensors are providing and a way to map that data to the information you want to see. The Airspeed indicator, for example, has V speeds and colored arcs as part of Setup so your EFIS fits your airplane.





Q: Where can I see EFIS?

At Oshkosh, Sun and Fun, or at our offices in Tennessee.  Call to schedule a demo. We'd love to show it to you!