King KI-256 Attitude Indicator Overhaul

[Mooney_Allegro]

I have a King KI-256 backup attitude indicator that needs overhaul soon.  I've gotten quotes of anywhere between $2160 to $3560 for the overhaul not including removal/replacement.  Has anyone gotten their unit overhauled lately, who did they use and what was the turn-around time?  Mine has 600 hours on the unit, and 5 years.  I'm based in the Atlanta area.

Thanks!

[KSMooniac]

You want Bob Bramble at Aerolab:  www.aerolabaviation.com  He is in Sarasota so you'll get quick shipping too.

[bd32322]

thanks for the tip KSMooniac - I think my AI is about to go - called up Bob and got a very decent quote. However, I am wondering if its just economically more sensible to just replace it with the cheapest aspen EFD1000. I can probably sell the AI as is and the perfectly functioning DG to offset the cost of the Aspen EFD1000. Moreover the EFD1000 is upgradeable to the Pro using just a software upgrade - which is very nice.

Anyone has any idea how much  the King DG and the defunct King AI will fetch on the used market?

[Magnum]

Quote: bd32322

thanks for the tip KSMooniac - I think my AI is about to go - called up Bob and got a very decent quote. However, I am wondering if its just economically more sensible to just replace it with the cheapest aspen EFD1000. I can probably sell the AI as is and the perfectly functioning DG to offset the cost of the Aspen EFD1000. Moreover the EFD1000 is upgradeable to the Pro using just a software upgrade - which is very nice.

Anyone has any idea how much  the King DG and the defunct King AI will fetch on the used market?

[bd32322]

I have a backup electrical AI - does that work or does it have to be vacuum based since the Aspen is electrical? I would like to shed weight and headache as much as possible - so getting rid of that pesky vacuum pump will be a god send

[jetdriven]

Vacuum is a separate source but its a lot of weight etc for one gauge.  They make electric AI's with built-in battery backup, but those are not cheap.  I think that would be the best solution.

[PTK]

Quote: bd32322

 Moreover the EFD1000 is upgradeable to the Pro using just a software upgrade - which is very nice.

[bd32322]

Quote: allsmiles

Are you sure about this? I don't think you are correct. You better check your sources. It is not just a software upgrade. It involves hardware as well.

[bd32322]

Quote: jetdriven

Vacuum is a separate source but its a lot of weight etc for one gauge.  They make electric AI's with built-in battery backup, but those are not cheap.  I think that would be the best solution.

[Magnum]

The upgrade is just software, but you'll have to wire the HSI (Aspen) to the NAV. If you already have an electric AI IMHO that is sufficient.

Edit: Of course you'll need the interface to the AP, if it is not driven by the backup AI.

[bd32322]

interesting - ebay had a bunch of AIs KI-256 that were sold for 750-1000 $ which is much less than overhauling the thing. In a dilemma :-|

anyone willing to sell a known good KI-256 after their glass upgrade or know someone who might be willing to sell one?

[Vref]

What Ifound out...KI 256's come in various partnumbers and Mod status....be careful when doing this excercise.  If you can find a Mod11 KI256 (>serial 22475) you will have less problems with the A/P re-integration for pitch and roll....

Casstleberry makes an electric version of the KI256..900-23EVPK...however this is only what I found out on the internet..(to be confirmed) donno about the STC status etc...

I would be very interested if someone can shed a more profound knowledge on this subject..;-)

From the SB regarding KC191-92 compatibility..:

www.seaerospace.com/documents/faq/kc192replacement.pdf

thanks

Luc

 

[PTK]

Quote: Magnum

The upgrade is just software, but you'll have to wire the HSI (Aspen) to the NAV.

[bd32322]

okay really sorry - I am a complete newbie at this. I thought I had a KI-256 - but when I went through the paperwork last night - its really a Bendix KG-258 - grr - feel stupid

[smccray]

Quote: bd32322

interesting - ebay had a bunch of AIs KI-256 that were sold for 750-1000 $ which is much less than overhauling the thing. In a dilemma :-|

anyone willing to sell a known good KI-256 after their glass upgrade or know someone who might be willing to sell one?

[bd32322]

Quote: smccray

 

I'll have one coming out of an '87 M20J here in 60-90 days.  Was just overhauled about a month ago by the prior owner.

 

HSI and remote gyro were overhauled at the same time...