Vertical Card Compass vs. Magnetic Compass

[ToddDPT]

After multiple "fixes" to our magnetic compass I've finally decided that this last malfunction was its last.  However, this now gives me the opportunity to go to a vertical card compass instead.  It doesn't seem too costly compared to replacing with a magnetic compass, but I was hoping to get some feedback from everyone.  Would you just replace the old compass with a comparable one or would you switch out to a vertical card compass?  How much maintenance can I expect with one, comparatively?  Are there particular ones that are better than others?  Any thoughts are appreciated.  Thanks ahead of time.

[231Pilot]

I have used vertical card on the last two airplanes I have owned.  If I purchase a plane with a whiskey compass, it will be replaced with a vertical card ASAP.

[Piloto]

I had mine for three years, no complains, love it. Much easier to read in turbulence than the wet one.

José

[Hank]

I prefer the vertical card, too, but am living with my wet one for now. The card is easier to read, and doesn't turn in the opposite direction. It also matches the DG. Even on a smooth flight, to get a clear reading on the wet compass, I have to hold it with a finger.

[Bennett]

I've had vertical card compasses in my last 4 or 5 aircraft, and I will never go back.  Easy to read, especially when you are fatigued, and far more stable in turbulance.  This type of compass is easy to adjust (calibrate) from the front with a brass (generally comes with the unit) or plastic small flat "screwdriver".  I would NOT try and mount one in the panel itself. They need the "shock mounting" (really nothing more than a piece of foam) between the unit and the mount. Mooney mounts come in two varients - holes on the side, or front/back. I suggest checking to see which would not require new holes to mount. 

[ToddDPT]

I don't know the regs on this, but is this something I can install myself?

[danb35]

No, you'd need an A&P to sign it off, as it isn't listed in FAR 43 Appx A as allowed owner/operator preventative maintenance.

[kortopates]

In addition to the install, (which is trivial), the A&P will swing the compass and create the compass correction card - which you must always have to remain airworthy. I'd suggest copying the card in case yours is ever misplaced so that you can avoid having (your A&P) re-swing the compass. The popular Precision Vertical card compass is a dry compass and not subject to fluid loss or air bubbles that the traditional whiskey compasses are.

I love my Precision vertical card compass (and think its the only TSO'd option, but not sure). Precision provides great support and will service their compasses at very reasonable prices and with a quick turn around. There is no maintenance per se for a compass other than periodically swinging it after changes to your airframe that could effect accuracy, such as electrical equipment changes in your panel (e.g., avionics) or even a hard landing.

You should be aware they have some drawbacks; especially when installed in the Mooney. The vertical card compasses have compensating magnets in them just like whiskey compasses, but they are not capable of compensating to the same degree whiskey compasses are. Swinging them can be a greater challenge than the old whiskey compass. Secondly, the steel tubluar structure in our Mooneys tend to pick up some magnetism over time,  that may not have be noticeable on the whiskey compass yet could be enough to make it very difficult or impossible to get the Vertical card compass to compensate enough to be within the required 10 degrees for each of the 30 degree bearings.  If you find that to be the case, Precision offers an external compensating magnets called "Balanced Balls". These are pretty hard to work with IMO and not a sure fix. The other option for our Mooneys is to comply with Mooney Service Instruction M20-95 to demagnetize the cabin. With the vertical card compass, one is much more likely to need it.

[Jeff_S]

I inherited my Precision vertical card compass with the plane but echo the other sentiments...it's the bees' knees. So much easier to manage and use, especially during those devilish moments with your CFII doing some IFR refresher work and she fails all your avionics!

(Admittedly, the vertical card compass doesn't serve as a backup AI in a worst case scenario, but if things really get that bad in the clag then someone up high is telling you something!)