Backup AI?

[PTK]

It's interesting to watch the horse race and how the dust settles! The FAA is pulling ahead it seems and manufacturers are still maneuvering for position.

While the FAA finally gave its blessing to electronic AI's as primary replacements of vaccum gyros, the only one right now that provides autopilot outputs is the KI300. And this is only for BK attitude autopilots! There's a segment of the market who have to go to a G500 with a GAD or Aspen if they want autopilot support.

For the ones who don't care about autopilot outputs the Sandia 340 Quattro is the greatest bang for the buck right now. 

Competition is healthy and great things are coming up in the horizon for sure!

[PTK]

On April 20, 2016 at 0:51 PM, JKeeth said:

Hi Guys,

Sorry for being late to the party!

...Regarding the question about the ESI-500 being certified as a primary as per the new FAA ruling...yes, the ESI-500 can be installed as a primary. There really is no differentiation between a primary and secondary certified ESIS unit like our ESI-500, as the ESI-500 has been certified to the same TSOs as a primary ADAHRS system...With the new FAA ruling, the ESI-500 can be installed as a primary attitude-indicator to replace an existing vacuum driven AI, and this could be done as a Field Approval only, but I believe the intent of the ruling is to allow this as a minor modification, which would not require a Field Approval...

My message to L3: while the scalable options to the ESI500 are good, you have missed the biggest one! Autopilot outputs! If, as you point out, it can be installed as primary to replace vaccum why is there no option for autopilot? Give us autopilot support at a lower cost than the next guy!

[donkaye]

13 hours ago, Rmag said:

You can go to FAA.gov and look up L-3's STC to get the AML.  Here is a link:  http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/a9ca2a921241475886257f690066d2e8/$FILE/SA04046CH_AML.pdf

For Mooney's they have:  

M20, M20A, M20B, M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F, M20G, M20J, M20K, M20L, M20M, M20R, M20S, M20TN 

Thank you for finding the link!

[peter]

On April 19, 2016 at 4:22 AM, PTK said:

Certified by whom? Has Garmin certified it? In order to be a certified backup for the G500 Garmin has to certify it and reference it in their STC for the G500. It has to be in the Garmin STC. It's irrelevent what L3 publishes. Garmin has to have it in their STC for the G500 and I don't know if they do. 

Another example is the Mid continent MD302. It is not listed in the G500 STC and therefore not a certified backup for it.

I am sure Garmin would like it that way, but that is simply not the way that certification works.  Anyone can seek an approval for an alternate configuration, and Garmin has NO say in the matter. 

Once a modification is approved (i.e. FAA approved, aka "certified") it is approved, period.  Garmin has no authority over this and can't stop anyone from seeking an approval, or from modifying an aircraft per that approval. Approvals can be obtained via STC, Field Approval (aka 337), or via minor alteration. To get an approval you have to show that the mod complies with all regulatory requirements, no different from what Garmin had to do to obtain their own STC in the first place.

Just like Mooney, Cessna, Piper, etc. had no say about Garmin getting their STC to modify the original TC'd aircraft configuration, subsequent changes to that certified G500 configuration can be (and obviously, are) approved.  Only the FAA can issue or deny an approval.   Garmin has nothing to do with it.

Edited April 25, 2016 by peter