I
would
greatly appreciate feedback from the LML on the advisibility of using either
of these AI alternatives and whether or not one could depend on them for IFR
flight (disclaimers by the manufacturers notwithstanding)  given the
configuration of the rest of the panel which includes a Garmin 480.

Dr. Joe,

 

Great question. Why would you want a backup AI? Aswer, because of an emergency requiring you to fly on a backup system in IMC conditions. Obviously when it happens to you, you will be breathing very deeply and the seat cusion will have disappeared up the through the seat of your Levis (I have had this happen more than once while IMC with my three screen Chelton system).

 

Next question: Do you want an experimental attitude system being your only backup or do you want a TSO'd unit?

 

Third question: when you perform surgery on a patient do they get the tried and true procedure or the new stuff they are doing clinical trials on? What is more risky?

 

Last question? Will you be flying lone or putting your family in the aircraft, too? Your assumption of risk will be borne by your passengers as well.

 

Mind you this is all tongue and cheek but analyze the risk. I put a TSO'd AI in as my backup as well as a TSO airspeed and altimeter. My Levis thanked me.

 

Talk to Kirk Hammersmith-- he can set you straight on what has to be in the aircraft to be IFR certified. Just because the aircraft is experimental does not mean you do not have to meet some regulatory requirements, ie. you need a magnetic compass and a transponder as well.

 

 

Best Regards,

 

Jeff Edwards

LIVP