Brittain TC100 Dilemma

[rubixcube2k3]

Happy Friday Mooney Family -

So....I've hit what I'm hoping isn't an entirely unique dilemma. I've got a TC100 (12V version) that has failed in my '75 C Model. It's currently at Rudy Instruments but after talking to Mike earlier today, it seems that the cage is worn beyond serviceable limits. Due to parts availability and Brittain being closed, he is very uncertain about their ability to effectively complete the overhaul on it to a quality they'd sign off. I know that it's a long stretch, but I figured I'd start here first to see if anyone has one sitting on the shelf that they're looking to sell. The funny part - it failed on the last day of a 10 day Instrument course which now has my check-ride on hold temporarily. My avionics tech has advised on placarding "In-op" and logging it, which I am fine with, considering that I have an Aspen and it serves as a backup only in that respect. My concern, however, is that it takes the wing leveler and the autopilot out of the equation as well. I'm not too worried about hand-flying for the check-ride without them, but I'm not sure that I want to venture out after as an (hopefully) instrument rated pilot, without those safety margins available to me. 

 

From the bit of research that I've done, it seems like my options are pretty limited. Basically, short of finding a serviceable unit, my main option is to have the entire system pulled and upgrade to a newer auto-pilot ($$$$$$$$)... I've given thought to a GFC500, but the path upgrade path sounds painful and I'm told they don't play well with Aspen and cannot receive  Heading bug or Altitude instructions from the Pro 1000. Bendix's AeroCruze 100 seems like a viable option, but they're quoting 5-6 months and requiring payment entirely up front. (Been there before and don't feel comfortable shelling out that much that far in advance without a reasonably defined delivery date. Have also had some issues with Bendix Customer support in the past.)

  Anyone else dealt with this dilemma, or have any thoughts/recommendations on a best path forward?  Am I the only one still flying around with a Brittain System?  

 

Thanks in advance! 

Abe

[takair]

Hello Abe,

You are in luck.  There are many of us flying behind and maintaining Brittain systems.  There are spares available and a former Brittain employee still works on them.  His name is Kevin Westbrook, PM me for his number.  I do have a spare that works on the bench that I would part with.  I just can’t guarantee that it is 100% good.  (Edit:  i would offer a money back guarantee, that didn’t sound the way I meant it). The guy I got it from was flying with it, so I have some confidence in that.  Worst case Kevin can tune it.

Rob

ps…Found the ad I have posted with the turn coordinator…..

 

Edited August 14, 2022 by takair
Added words ref guarantee

[DCarlton]

If you can't reach Kevin (former Brittain tech), call Porter Strait in Tulsa and see if they can overhaul it.   I believe Kevin still supports those overhauls through Porter Strait.  If not, maybe they'll have a spare on the shelf.  Or you can find one and have it overhauled (make sure you buy the right model; there are different variants).  If you like it, I say keep it going.  Kevin helped me troubleshoot a DG adapter a while back over the phone.  Problem ended up being the DG output (I ended up having my DG overhauled).  Works great now.  

http://www.porterstrait.com

BTW, years ago, my TC failed during my Instrument Check Ride.  Took off, no TC.  I had to turn around, go home and try again another day.  It was a Cherokee though; not my Mooney.  Good luck getting the check ride done!