Garmin G5 attitude indicator

[Yourpilotincommand]

Newbie here. My G5 shows me level when on the ground, but at level cruise it shows me pitched down 5 degrees. Does anyone know how to deal with that? I’m used to flying this way (even in IMC), but need to fix it right.  Maybe I need to calibrate it at cruise. Thanks!

[Danb]

You think, yeah good idea.

[carusoam]

Welcome aboard, yourPIC...

something to think about before selecting a screen name.... 

Have no fear... you can edit that.  Nobody will know...

My pilot in command would have followed the installation instructions regarding calibrating the instruments prior to  their first flight... 

The second PIC would have read the POH to know what the attitude of the plane is while it is on the ground...

The third PIC would have realized the importance of all of this because the amount of fuel in the plane is magically different (according to the instruments) once level in flight...

PP thoughts only, Welcome aboard, your PiC...

Best regards,

-a-

[kortopates]

It does need to be calibrated in pitch. The airplane is not level when on the ground, unless its been leveled per the leveling screws on the fuselage. The easy way to do  this is to measure the aircraft pitch attitude on the ground with reference to the leveling reference screws on the fuselage and then set the G5 pitch to what you measured. This is what your installer should have done so you should see them to get it corrected. 

Edited May 8, 2020 by kortopates

[Bob - S50]

24 minutes ago, kortopates said:

It does need to be calibrated in pitch. The airplane is not level when on the ground, unless its been leveled per the leveling screws on the fuselage. The easy way to do  this is to measure the aircraft pitch attitude on the ground with reference to the leveling reference screws on the fuselage and then set the G5 pitch to what you measured. This is what your installer should have done so you should see them to get it corrected. 

That's his problem.  It isn't level on the ground but it shows level.

If I remember right, press and hold the knob while turning on the G5 to get into configuration mode.  Search through for a pitch offset setting.  Try adding about 5 degrees to the value that is there now then exit configuration mode and restart the G5.  If it still isn't what you want, adjust the setting in the appropriate direction until you are happy, then never mess with it again.  Ours now shows about 3 or 4 degrees nose high on the ground and level at normal cruise speeds.

[Paul_Havelka]

As per the installation manual that was supposed to be set with the airplane leveled on jacks

[Yourpilotincommand]

Great advice guys, thanks! I’ll report back after I try to calibrate pitch. I couldnt find this info anywhere,. I bought this plane in January and trying to fix all the bugs.

[carusoam]

YPIC...

Garmin, the manufacturer, didn’t share that with you for a reason...

For some reason, the installation documentation is in the hands of their select mechanics...

They are trying to protect you from yourself...

or they are trying to protect their equipment from non Garmin installers...

Best regards,

-a-

[RobertGary1]

1 hour ago, Paul_Havelka said:

As per the installation manual that was supposed to be set with the airplane leveled on jacks

My avionics shop has a storm drain they use to achieve various pitches for testing.  

-Robert

[RobertGary1]

14 minutes ago, carusoam said:

Ll

or they are trying to protect their equipment from non Garmin installers...

 

Oddly the g5 is perhaps the only Garmin certified device that you can buy without being an authorized retailer. 
-Robert  

[bradp]

On 5/8/2020 at 5:03 PM, Paul_Havelka said:

As per the installation manual that was supposed to be set with the airplane leveled on jacks

Not in the most recent versions. If you have a in flight level reference you can calculate a pitch attitude offset to use. The level reference is the rivet line above the battery box.  It’s about 2.5 ANU on my J.  

If you don't want to use the pitch offset calculation, you can make your plane level without use of jacks by decreasing the air pressure in the nose wheel and using the same reference line. 

Whomever did the installation didn't RTFM. 

 

 

 

You're going to want to do the entire calibration over again with your A&P; save a problem with an early software version, the G5's problems in flight with regard to erroneous attitude indications seem largely related to lack of proper calibration during installation. 

 

 

[StevenL757]

1 hour ago, bradp said:

You're going to want to do the entire calibration over again with your A&P; save a problem with an early software version, the G5's problems in flight with regard to erroneous attitude indications seem largely related to lack of proper calibration during installation. 

Absolutely.  Either something went nuts since the install, or someone cut corners to cut labor during the initial install.

Steve

[KB4]

On 5/8/2020 at 4:30 PM, kortopates said:

This is what your installer should have done so you should see them to get it corrected. 

What he said.

[Jim Peace]

you can offset the pitch to any degree you want...I did mine to be on the line/zero bubble during normal cruise....

Very easy to do in the menu features....

you offset it some go flying see if you like it...if not offset some more....

[larrynimmo]

Jim is right...garmin makes it real easy to adjust

[Cruiser]

*In flight level cruse attitude is not necessarily the same as the leveling points provided by the
manufacturer. Adjustments to the pitch and roll offsets can be made to compensate for the aircraft flight
characteristics

Offsets are not a substitute for proper calibration. Please level and calibrate the longitudinal axis properly. 

[Yourpilotincommand]

I was able to set it properly... approx plus 2 deg. I took it for a test flight and was exactly 0 deg pitch at cruise. It was probably a cut corners thing from the previous owner who must have been ok with the pitch down at level flight. I purchased this plane in January and still knocking out my punch list. Thanks guys!

[RobertGary1]

On 5/10/2020 at 1:32 PM, Jim Peace said:

you can offset the pitch to any degree you want...I did mine to be on the line/zero bubble during normal cruise....

Very easy to do in the menu features....

you offset it some go flying see if you like it...if not offset some more....

Is that allowed in a cerified installation? Garmin gives specific guidance on how to align it before first flight  

 

-Robert

[carusoam]

Robert,

I believe it is...

For a couple of reasons...

1) Somebody covered this in a prior MS post... really helpful...
2) Paralax isn’t the only reason for the adjustment of the AI indicator... no paralax on a digital display, unless the programmers are having a fun day...

3) Changing the WnB... will definitely change the true AoA that the plane flys level at... (Real reason for the need...)

4) There will be a pilot that will be bothered by the instrument not lining up perfectly during the flight...

5) I set my mechanical AI approximately once every five years... give or take 

6) My AI always looks wrong on the ground... Long Body nose up... looks even worse during acceleration... 310hp... then is on an angle during the climb... 

PP thoughts only, not a CFI...

Best regards,

-a-

[Jim Peace]

38 minutes ago, RobertGary1 said:

Is that allowed in a cerified installation? Garmin gives specific guidance on how to align it before first flight  

 

-Robert

Mine was installed by a Garmin dealer at a MSC....it needed adjustment....It was adjusted....it works

[RobertGary1]

1 hour ago, Jim Peace said:

Mine was installed by a Garmin dealer at a MSC....it needed adjustment....It was adjusted....it works

But did they adjust it the correct way or by trial and error after flight? For a certified aircraft I think you need to follow the manufacture instructions  

 

-Robert

[Jim Peace]

8 hours ago, RobertGary1 said:

But did they adjust it the correct way or by trial and error after flight? For a certified aircraft I think you need to follow the manufacture instructions  

 

-Robert

I will do it after Boeing gets their shit together and the FAA is not sold to the highest bidder.......

Bottom line is what I have is safe and it works and makes sense.....