Must explain some circumstances around this upgrade.
This is RF172F Reims Rocket with 210 hp Continental engine, Hoffman constant speed prop, YOM 1970
The owner is old school pilot (with Class 1 medical, but over the ages for commercial PAX ops), bit older than airframe
still teaching student pilots / youngsters are able to see G5
Target of this modernization is IFR training.
Because of G5 STC, some steam gauges must be present, but they are spare units for primary G5, all in training environment
for IFR. Simply, no reason to keep the spare gauges in classic T layout around joke.
One of strict demands, is to be able to go home on partial panel. therefore we have one more electric
turn and bank on right. Some training of how to go home (old way) must be done on clock, ADF or mag compass,
therefore we have ADF and mechanical clock on prominent positions. Etc....
Electric installation cleared from old dead wires. All fuses replaced, most of switches too. New panel marks.
New fuse panel for digital avionics with separate master switch. New night-dome lights, white and night red installed.
And lot of small repairs on all electric and plastic components.
All works are done under EASA Part F minor modifications and STC. Transponder now is full ADS-B.
Major mod under ELA1 Part 21 of connecting with old Century 2 autopilot was not feasible at all,
therefore next winter is expected second stage with new digital autopilot and new actuators, plus
8" traffic advisory and maps display on empty position left from G5. Also Com2 and Nav 2 from Becker
must be replaced with one small case unit.
Autopilot coupling with GTN750 is major mod, so again Part 21 paperwork is necessary.
The only hope is that EASA is relaxing bit approach to DOA and ADOA rules for GA.
This is still kind of work in progress but now is time for flying....
