If you fly an Entegra-equipped Cirrus and have looked at the cost and complexity of modernising the panel, there is now a path that does not involve tearing the whole cockpit out. Avidyne's Vantage 12 is a dual 12-inch touchscreen glass flight display built specifically as a direct retrofit for G2 and G3 Cirrus aircraft. As an Avidyne dealer, we can plan and fit this upgrade — here is what it is and how the path works.
What Vantage 12 is
Vantage 12 replaces the legacy Entegra displays in a Cirrus with two 12-inch touchscreen screens — 40% larger than the original Entegra displays, with substantially higher resolution. It is, at the time of writing, the only touchscreen display that is a direct retrofit upgrade for Entegra-equipped aircraft, which is what makes it such a natural step for Cirrus owners who want modern glass without a wholesale panel replacement.
The design goal is ease of use. Avidyne's hybrid touch interface lets you work by touchscreen or by tactile buttons, whichever suits the moment and the turbulence, and the layout is deliberately uncluttered — the aim is to surface the information you want and keep the rest out of the way.
What it brings to the cockpit
- Two 12-inch displays — 40% larger than legacy Entegra screens, with 64% more pixels for clarity and readability
- 3D Synthetic Vision — terrain, obstacles, and traffic rendered for a clear view of your surroundings
- Failsafe architecture — dual-AHRS and split-screen MFD reversion keep critical safety functions available if part of the system fails
- Hybrid touch interface — touchscreen or physical controls, with seamless integration to other Avidyne equipment
- Wireless flight-plan syncing with Avidyne's IFD100 iPad app and ForeFlight, plus support for FlyQ, SkyDemon, and others
- Straightforward installation — it reuses existing aircraft wiring and is compatible with all Cirrus engine-instrument configurations, with no enablement fees to unlock premium features
The upgrade path: four clear steps
Vantage 12 is the final step of a staged upgrade, and doing it in order means each stage delivers value on its own while preparing the aircraft for the displays. The path Avidyne lays out runs as follows:
Step 1 — Install the DFC90 digital autopilot. Replace the legacy S-TEC 55X with the DFC90, bringing digital-autopilot precision and setting the foundation for full Vantage functionality. (Your existing Entegra PFD needs the supporting modifications for compatibility and WAAS support as part of this step.)
Step 2 — Upgrade the first GPS navigator and transponder. Swap one navigator for the WAAS-capable IFD540, which integrates cleanly with the DFC90, and fit the AXP322 remote-mount transponder to free up panel space for the larger displays. If you do not already have ADS-B In, this is the moment to add it with a SkyTrax200.
Step 3 — Upgrade the second GPS navigator and audio panel. Replace the second navigator with an IFD440, giving you dual WAAS-enabled GPS/NAV/COM — ideal for IFR — and take the opportunity to fit the AMX240 audio panel for cleaner audio and tighter integration.
Step 4 — Install the Vantage 12 displays. With the supporting systems in place and the panel prepared, the Vantage 12 displays go in, completing the modern glass cockpit.
The staged approach is deliberate: it spreads the investment, keeps the aircraft flyable throughout, and means each step is useful in its own right rather than being stranded value until the very end.
Where Vantage 12 fits
We fit avionics across the market — Garmin, Dynon, Avidyne, Collins, and more — and our advice is always driven by the aircraft and the mission rather than the badge. For an Entegra-equipped Cirrus specifically, Vantage 12 is a compelling option precisely because it is purpose-built as a direct Entegra retrofit, reusing existing wiring and preserving compatibility with the aircraft's engine instrumentation. For other aircraft and other missions, a different solution may be the better answer — which is exactly the conversation we are here to have.
Plan your Cirrus upgrade
If you fly a G2 or G3 Cirrus and Vantage 12 has caught your interest, send us your aircraft registration and a note on your current panel. We will confirm eligibility for your specific aircraft, map out the right sequence of steps for your situation and budget, and come back with a plan and quotation.
Or contact the team directly at sales@aeronautical.co.za or +27 11 659 1033.
Vantage 12, DFC90, IFD540, IFD440, AXP322, AMX240, and SkyTrax200 are products of Avidyne Corporation. Aeronautical Aviation is an Avidyne dealer. Vantage 12 is FAA STC-approved; South Africa accepts FAA-approved STCs. Individual aircraft eligibility is subject to the applicable approval and your aircraft's configuration. Aeronautical Aviation (Pty) Ltd is based at Hangar 202, Gate 7, Lanseria International Airport. SACAA AMO No. 1033. Clinton Carroll is a qualified pilot and the founder and CEO of Aeronautical Aviation.
