johnggreen Posted October 24, 2013 Report Posted October 24, 2013 Gentlemen, I need information and am hoping that some of my old Mooney friends might have experience or knowledge that can help. As many of you know, I now fly a 601P Aerostar, sort of a twin engined Mooney. I recently installed an Aspen 2000 glass panel and GTN-650's. It is quite a change after flying steam gauges for 50 years, but I'm getting there and besides that's not the topic in question. The topic is that I want to install a 2nd Pitot/Static system. Without one, the P/S system is the weak link in my redundancy. I want to put a single Aspen or other back up AHRS device on the co-pilot's panel and want it to be on a completely separate P/S system. From the best information I can get, the A* is not certified with a back up pitot. Has anyone ever had this situation on any other airplane? What are my options? Jgreen
Cruiser Posted October 24, 2013 Report Posted October 24, 2013 I would think the certification would rest with the airframe. If you can install a second Pitot system on the Aerostar and get it certified any equipment connected to it would also be approved.
John Pleisse Posted October 24, 2013 Report Posted October 24, 2013 I am not knowledgeable, John. I bought the 2000 system for a 201...completely different. I would gander your greatest impediment would be the pressure vessel and finding an STC for a second outlet. Everybody knows I am a fan of Mooney Service Center, Henry Weber A/C in PA. What most don't know is outside of Idaho, they work on more Aerostars than anyone and have a competent staff of seasoned IA's/AP's. Dorne Claire knows more than anyone and is highly creative. 717-569-2691. He is accessible and will talk at length if he has time. For a back up ADHRS on the Copilot side, I'd avoid a second p/s system for an electric--battery option. Good Luck.
Marauder Posted October 24, 2013 Report Posted October 24, 2013 John -- another Aspen 2000 owner and I came to the same conclusion as you -- single point of failure (also true if don't have an Aspen). I think the challenge aside of getting it certified on the airframe, is getting it certified with the Aspens. Since the MFD is the backup for the PFD during reversion, wonder how it is handled from a TSO perspective. I would try calling Aspen and see what they may recommend. They have been pretty reachable about design type questions.
Smiles201 Posted October 24, 2013 Report Posted October 24, 2013 John, There is an add listed on the ipilot website (http://www.ipilot.com/index.php/classifieds/3-multi-engine/10667-2965-ttaf-1623) which purports to be a 77 601P with a 2nd pitot static system. Not sure if this is a current add (or a real one for that matter as pictures are not of an Aerostar!), but owner may have some information for you. Best wishes. I always enjoy your well written contributions. Miles
johnggreen Posted October 24, 2013 Author Report Posted October 24, 2013 Thanks for the leads. I will definitely call Henry Weber. As anyone who has read the Aspen Pilot's manual knows, if something happens to the P/S system, the Aspen goes off line. Of course so would any back up airspeed or altimeter. No question that the P/S system has, by elimination, become the weak link. The A* is a high workload aircraft anytime, but IFR and no P/S system would be no time to be flying by the seat of your pants. Jgreen
Marauder Posted October 24, 2013 Report Posted October 24, 2013 Thanks for the leads. I will definitely call Henry Weber. As anyone who has read the Aspen Pilot's manual knows, if something happens to the P/S system, the Aspen goes off line. Of course so would any back up airspeed or altimeter. No question that the P/S system has, by elimination, become the weak link. The A* is a high workload aircraft anytime, but IFR and no P/S system would be no time to be flying by the seat of your pants. Jgreen And if you do come up to Lancaster; I'm calling shotgun on the first ride you give! Let us know what you find out about a backup pitot static system.
John Pleisse Posted October 24, 2013 Report Posted October 24, 2013 I definitely wouldn't want a red-x on a p/s failure, but what about the obvious? Steam and vacuum as back-ups??
johnggreen Posted October 25, 2013 Author Report Posted October 25, 2013 I definitely wouldn't want a red-x on a p/s failure, but what about the obvious? Steam and vacuum as back-ups?? That still doesn't get away from a pitot system failure as you would lose your airspeed indicator at a minimum. I actually have a vacuum AI which I had to keep to drive my A/P. Also, the A* panel is fairly small and room becomes an issue. The Aspen will only take two 3" holes. Besides, how cool is glass on both sides? Jgreen
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