Vacuum Pump Failure + Infringment
Yesterday I infringed a Class D zone by 300' and 2nm. I was talking to a LARS and squawking mode C, they informed me I had infringed in no uncertain terms. Although not requested to do so, I contacted the LARS unit upon landing and explained myself.
Shortly prior to the infringement the AH toppled so violently it caught my attention. I glanced down at the suction and sure enough was indicating zero.
I headed directly for the overhead of the nearest as I had a first time passenger with me and didn't want to take any chances in case there was an associated engine problem. By doing that I infringed by 2 miles, and I immediately got called by the LARS controller and told I had infringed.
I didn't declare a PAN as it seemed overkill and did'nt want to alarm my passenger. However, in light of the infringement part of me wishes I had.
I called the LARS upon landing and explained the vacuum failure.
Thoughts/ suggestions on what I could have done better / reassurances etc gratefully received!
Last edited by Essel; 19th May 2008 at 15:24.