BRYNALL@aol.com wrote:
> Dear Europals
>
> I am just starting to look at equiping my avionics panel.<snip> If I
> listen to the general wisdoms I should only equip for VFR, thus leaving out
> your VORs,ADFs etc., but leaving in a transponder, a radio, plus the usual
> attitude display for the odd occassion when a cloud flies into you.
First of all, what do you want to use the airplane for? If it's mission is blue
sky flight only, then forget the artificial horizon. We fly into clouds, not
vice versa, and if you're not proficient in flying by the gauges (how many
really
practice this?) then it's a waste of panel space, money and weight.
<snip>
> We also have to purchase a vacuum pump if we are to buy gyro instuments in
> the
> lowerprice range, plus the extra cost of having a vacuum pump drive spindle
> fitted to the engine gearbox. Electrically driven equipment costs several
> times
> as much as the wind driven stuff, and takes power from the limited source
> allowed to us by Rotax.
Are you really saving with vacuum instruments? You've already pointed out all
the extras you'll need to spin them. The airplane already has an electrical
system. Also, the failure rate of vacuum pumps is not all that low. With
electrical instruments, if your alternator fails, you already have a backup
system in place: the battery.<snip>
> Does anyone have any left over equipment to sell at a sensible price?
Used avionics are always available, check with major suppliers. And don't
forget
the special deals available at some of the major airshows
> What should the buyer be wary of?
Everything. <g> The best used avionics are ones that come directly from an
airplane, say from an owner who is upgrading his/her panel. That way you can
see
the boxes at work in the environment in which you'll use them. Otherwise, make
sure any used piece is checked out by an avionics technician first. Don't
forget, there are some "liberated" parts out there, so be careful of the
proverbial "too good to be true" deal.
> What would you do, or not do, if you were me?
Not get discouraged by the complexities of the panel. Study as much as you can.
I think Bob Knuckolls is an excellent source for electrical systems. You may
not
agree with all that he says, but he makes you think about what you want to do,
instead of just making an assumption and forging blindly ahead. Here is his web
site http://www.aeroelectric.com/index.html
> Is it possible to build a decent panel without spending #5000 ($8400) or
> more?
Define decent. If you are looking for VFR navigation only, then yes. Even
with
a good in-panel GPS, you should be able to do yourself proud for less than
$6000. Beware of custom panel kits. They are a real time saver, but very
expensive. Ask yourself if a handheld transceiver will do the job required vs.
a
panel mounted unit. Things like that.
Sincerely,
Steve Genotte
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