Jump to content

Vacuum System - only needed for step and PC - any concerns?


Recommended Posts

I've removed my AI and DG from my vacuum system to install dual G5

Can I remove my suction gauge and my VAC low and VAC high indicators?

Also is there anything I should do to make sure the proper suction pressure is still there and it isn't too strong?  I plan to measure.

The only thing left is the PC wing leveler system and the retractable step.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Your wing leveler won't work without your Brittain DG unless you also have a Brittain gyro/valve system in the tail.  I think that is an older (pre '67 models or older) feature.   @takair has an electric step actuator that replaces the vacuum actuated retraction system.   Might was well go all in with the vacuumless system.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would expect the wing leveler to work if he keeps the turn coordinator which controls roll stability.  Unless he has an autopilot  then he would need  some form heading source.  don't quote me on this... I think someone here on MS has figured out how to connect the G5's using a GAD29B to the autopilot I can't remember if century or brittian autopilot. When my turn coordinator died the local instrument shop wouldn't repair the turn coordinator. so overtime  I pulled entire wing leveler system . For the  vacuum gauge and goes  you may consider keeping the gauge for the wing leveler to ensure that there is output from vacuum pump. If panel space is an issue  they make  a1"  vacuum gauge . The "auto step " electric conversion that replace the vacuum step servo.  It works great real easy to install.

https://flightenhancements.com/index.html

 

Just my thoughts,

James '67C

Edited by jamesm
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 hours ago, sdflysurf said:

I've removed my AI and DG from my vacuum system to install dual G5

Can I remove my suction gauge and my VAC low and VAC high indicators?

Also is there anything I should do to make sure the proper suction pressure is still there and it isn't too strong?  I plan to measure.

The only thing left is the PC wing leveler system and the retractable step.

I believe your PC system (like on my 67F) is using TC 100 turn coordinator so you are good there. I actually just updated LHS panel and removed Low-Hi lights (Expensive Sigmatec Vacuum sensor is inop) and relocated Vacuum gage from RHS panel to pilot side.  the Not sure why would you remove vacuum gage and they are typically small and mine is using 1" hole. I guess this is a question for your A&P who would sign the logbooks; I would still prefer to have a gage as long as keeping a Brittain PC (and step).

Regards,

Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 hours ago, jamesm said:

The "auto step " electric conversion that replace the vacuum step servo.  It works great real easy to install.

https://flightenhancements.com/index.html

+1 for the auto step!  We puled out the horrible suction step retract, and put that in when I ripped out my vacuum system 2 years ago.  Wired it to my beacon switch, which drives the step only now, since my nav beacon on the bottom was replaced with an appropriate red/white strobe.

As part of my runup checklists I now have:

Passenger Step:  Confirm UP

It's so nice.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 3/23/2021 at 3:43 PM, 0TreeLemur said:

Your wing leveler won't work without your Brittain DG unless you also have a Brittain gyro/valve system in the tail.  I think that is an older (pre '67 models or older) feature.   @takair has an electric step actuator that replaces the vacuum actuated retraction system.   Might was well go all in with the vacuumless system.

The DG was strictly vacuum - didn't seem to have any connection to the PC system and it wasn't doing so well (precessing - so I am happy to have it replaced with the G5)  The Brittain Turn Co-ordinator is the only thing that works the PC wing leveler that I see.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I did basically the same thing - removed the vacuum instruments for dual G5's - but I also removed the entire vacuum system.  I lashed the step in the up position with the intent of getting a Flight Enhancements electric step conversion later, but so far I haven't seen any need for the step.  The PC wing leveler was more trouble that it was worth -- expensive to replace the boots, not to mention the gyro (which is in the back in my '65), and I don't miss it at all. Now I don't have to worry about vacuum failures or gyro overhauls.  (Except for the one remaining electric gyro:  the turn & slip.)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...
On 3/25/2021 at 3:33 AM, Bob E said:

 .....but I also removed the entire vacuum system.  

For your awareness:  I researched this for a friend a while back.  The TCDS says that the vacuum pump is required for IFR flight,  but optional for VFR flight.   This note applies to models up to a G.  I understand the logic of your decision, but I would like you to also understand the legal ramifications as well.  

ref:  http://www.accelerationtech.com/photos/mooney/TypeCert/FAA-Type-Cert-Mooney-2A3.pdf

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, tony said:

For your awareness:  I researched this for a friend a while back.  The TCDS says that the vacuum pump is required for IFR flight,  but optional for VFR flight.   This note applies to models up to a G.  I understand the logic of your decision, but I would like you to also understand the legal ramifications as well.  

ref:  http://www.accelerationtech.com/photos/mooney/TypeCert/FAA-Type-Cert-Mooney-2A3.pdf

 

Except you have to read very far down in the tcds notes, the “small print”.  There’s an allowance to remove the vacuum for all models equipped with appropriate certified electronic ADI systems.  
 

your link is from 2002, and potentially not current.

Heres the current faa:

https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/6ea0f05ecca8304486258305006833cf/$FILE/2A3_Rev_58.pdf

Edited by Ragsf15e
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 3/23/2021 at 3:29 PM, sdflysurf said:

I've removed my AI and DG from my vacuum system to install dual G5

Can I remove my suction gauge and my VAC low and VAC high indicators?

Also is there anything I should do to make sure the proper suction pressure is still there and it isn't too strong?  I plan to measure.

The only thing left is the PC wing leveler system and the retractable step.

Having had dual AHRS failures in Garmin gear I would say the vacuum system is an amazingly inexpensive way to have backup attitude. I didn’t and won’t remove mine with dual 275’s. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, tony said:

For your awareness:  I researched this for a friend a while back.  The TCDS says that the vacuum pump is required for IFR flight,  but optional for VFR flight.   This note applies to models up to a G.  I understand the logic of your decision, but I would like you to also understand the legal ramifications as well.  

ref:  http://www.accelerationtech.com/photos/mooney/TypeCert/FAA-Type-Cert-Mooney-2A3.pdf

 

Here’s the note.  The tcds you cited is from 2002, current is 2018 on the faa website.

40F533B0-3E3C-4B18-B12A-6CB91E6560AA.thumb.jpeg.293057cf3cc86b41933a98ad12035d1e.jpeg

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 minutes ago, Ragsf15e said:

Except you have to read very far down in the tcds notes, the “small print”.  There’s an allowance to remove the vacuum for all models equipped with appropriate certified electronic ADI systems.  
 

your link is from 2002, and potentially not current.

Heres the current faa:

https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/6ea0f05ecca8304486258305006833cf/$FILE/2A3_Rev_58.pdf

Rags, thanks!!  I see note 24.  I'll pass along the info.  

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.