3914N Posted December 22, 2015 Report Posted December 22, 2015 I recently bought a G model and I've been having a blast making it "mine"... cheapo little things like window shades, panel covers, etc. Most of the instruments in my panel are stock, which means I have a charge/drain ammeter but no voltmeter. Anyways, I was doing some googling and came across this little gadget, which looks like a really great way to add a plug-and-play voltmeter. But then I thought it might be even nicer to drill out a hole in the panel and relocate the device to be more in-line with my view. I was thinking I could mount a second cigarette lighter port and then just pop the voltage indicator in and out. So my question is... what can I legally do as PPL (not an A&P or IA, no STC for anything)? I'm sure I can just plug the voltage indicator into the existing cigarette lighter port, but can I move it? Re-mount it in a different location? Where is the line?
1964-M20E Posted December 22, 2015 Report Posted December 22, 2015 AS far as I know anything that is not permanent is fair game. Look at all the portable GPS units out there. You could always fabricate your own multi port cigarette lighter and temporarily mount it where you need it and you would be good. This would plug into your existing lighter socket and now you have two. Depending on you skills and your relationship with your A&P I think an additional cigarette lighter plug would be a minor alteration. i.e just a log book entry form the A&P Then again you need to watch out for the hangar fairies with milk and cookies they come down the chimney and clean up the hangar, bring yoiyu new toys and games and do other odd jobs. Wait am I getting confused with someone else.
jlunseth Posted December 22, 2015 Report Posted December 22, 2015 The problem would be "fabricating a cigarette lighter?" That involves tapping into the existing buss, installing a CB, etc. A certificated pilot may perform only the preventive maintenance specified in Part 43, App. A. Here is a link. http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=a5a6716e1935d58a7dec143f8824fec6&mc=true&node=ap14.1.43_117.a&rgn=div9 . If you don't see it in the list, you can't do it. There is no such thing as a "minor alteration," sorry. There is just preventive maintenance, which we pilots can do, and all other tasks, which we cannot do. Plugging portable equipment into an existing power port (cigarette lighter) is just using what is there. installing a new power port is not in App. A. Sorry.
carusoam Posted December 22, 2015 Report Posted December 22, 2015 Getting the volt meter that way is a good idea. Adding another electrical plug is best done working with your mechanic. Realistically there are 3:1 plugs available for sale at Sporty's. knowing the temperature near the plug, not so helpful. Does that come with a thermocouple that can be moved outside somehow? Best regards, -a-
1964-M20E Posted December 22, 2015 Report Posted December 22, 2015 1 hour ago, jlunseth said: The problem would be "fabricating a cigarette lighter?" That involves tapping into the existing buss, installing a CB, etc. A certificated pilot may perform only the preventive maintenance specified in Part 43, App. A. Here is a link. http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=a5a6716e1935d58a7dec143f8824fec6&mc=true&node=ap14.1.43_117.a&rgn=div9 . If you don't see it in the list, you can't do it. There is no such thing as a "minor alteration," sorry. There is just preventive maintenance, which we pilots can do, and all other tasks, which we cannot do. Plugging portable equipment into an existing power port (cigarette lighter) is just using what is there. installing a new power port is not in App. A. Sorry. your are correct I was assuming he had an existing cigarette plug and this would just be a custom 1 to two or three plug.
MHemperly Posted December 23, 2015 Report Posted December 23, 2015 12 hours ago, 3914N said: I recently bought a G model and I've been having a blast making it "mine"... cheapo little things like window shades, panel covers, etc. Most of the instruments in my panel are stock, which means I have a charge/drain ammeter but no voltmeter. Anyways, I was doing some googling and came across this little gadget, which looks like a really great way to add a plug-and-play voltmeter. But then I thought it might be even nicer to drill out a hole in the panel and relocate the device to be more in-line with my view. I was thinking I could mount a second cigarette lighter port and then just pop the voltage indicator in and out. So my question is... what can I legally do as PPL (not an A&P or IA, no STC for anything)? I'm sure I can just plug the voltage indicator into the existing cigarette lighter port, but can I move it? Re-mount it in a different location? Where is the line? I believe if you can remove it you're good. But have a mechanic wire anything. MH Aviation is a good shop at Fox. I assume you're based there being in Lancaster. I was based there (and grew up there) as of last month. Now I'm based in corona Mike
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