Errors-To: <cfi@instructor.net>
User-Agent: Microsoft-Outlook-Express-Macintosh-Edition/5.02.2022
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2000 00:49:30 -0600
Subject: Re: Re Sierra Flight System
From: Ron Galbraith-CFII <cfi@instructor.net>
To: <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
Message-ID: <B5E47F9A.1938%cfi@instructor.net>
In-Reply-To: <39BE2DDC.64EE056D@regandesigns.com>
Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
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> So Ron, what additional questions do you need answered to help you make the
> right choice?
> 

Thanks Brent, Here are a few questions/concerns:

1 I didn't see the system work with the AHARS turned off, which I was hoping
to see.

2 There doesn't seem to be a Glide slope CDI, in either the main IDU ADI, or
in the other HSI type display.  I realize that the system is using GPS for
the entire approach, including ILS approaches, but seems strange that there
isn't a GS indication.  Would also be nice if you could switch a VOR/LOC/GS
signal into the system, so it would act like a real HSI/ADI too, and you
could eliminate a separate CDI.
  
3 Since the system uses it's own GPS, you have to program the flight with
the Sierra, then to be legal to fly IFR using GPS navigation, you would have
to also program the other GPS with the same flight plan.  Really a waste of
time, and very high work load while enroute to change something.  Isn't
there an IFR GPS out there with the right outputs that could be fed into the
Sierra? 
 
4 I want to see the AOA system built into the Sierra work.

5 I want to see the HSI type display on the second IDU, and does the terrain
show up while in the HSI mode too?  Does TCAD, and Storm Scope inputs work
in the HSI mode too?  I believe there is a heading bug, so I assume as long
as you are using a digital autopilot, you could have a heading select mode
too?  

6 If you are using the Sierra system solely for your engine instruments,
including Fuel quantity, is there a way to monitor the fuel quantity all the
time without having the engine page up on an IDU?

7 I want to see the heading display more closely to see how quick it
actually is, and how accurate it is.  Same with pitch and roll.  With the
turbulence we were in, the display seemed almost too quick reacting, and
would have been a hand full trying to fly by hand in actual IFR.

8 There is a clock mode listed, but I'd like to see how that works too.  Is
there flight time somewhere?

There are more questions I have on the system, but I can't think of them off
the top of my head.  I would very much like to use this system solely,
without back-up steam gauges.  My background is in Electronic Engineering,
and as a production test pilot, and I trust the solid state equipment much
more than I trust the old technology vacuum gyros.  I've had at least 8
vacuum pumps go out on me while flying, and most of them were factory
airplanes with very low total time on them.

The pricing seems to be right at $40,000 for the complete system with two
IDU's.  When you eliminate gyros, DG/HSI, moving map, etc.  I figure this
system will cost about $20,000 more than going conventional, including a
slaved HSI, so it's still pretty pricey, but sure is neat stuff.

Ron Galbraith 

 

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