Dan,

 

Not to beat a dead horse here but for those of you who are intested a review of Advisory Circular 91-67  is in order. This AC provides guidance on operating with inoperative equipment. If that does not clarify the issues at hand then I recommend attending an FAA WINGS seminar on the subject or calling your local FSDO and speaking to an FAA inspector. I recommend you fill out a NASA ASRS form first.

 

My litmus test is, "how is this going to read in the newspaper tomorrow?" or "how am I going to explain my thinking to the FAA inspector, NTSB law judge, or my wife (pick one)?".

 

BTW, Dan, I think your idea of having the spring backup is great. My 1959 Beech Bonanza had the same arrangement.

 

Fly smart, Fly safe,

 

Jeff Edwards