Originally Posted by
JTobias
Unfortunately I don't have one of those sockets installed in the aircraft anyway. I genuinely can't see the real problem in simply tapping off power from an existing item of avionics or something else close by.
Is it really such a problem ? I reckon it's a 5 minute job, but obviously it's not 'approved'. I won't be doing that, but what's the real issue ???
JT - sorry to be the bearer of "bad news" but, as I understand it, any fiddling with the wiring is not approved and needs a CAA-approved MOD. Permanent wiring makes the unit part of the machine. The alternative, of fitting either a power take-off or a USB is an approved MOD and hence you can do that. The unit - not being wired in - is therefore a carry on/off and does not itself have to be approved.
I had exactly this problem with the Flymap L unit:
1. Can't permanently wire it in - I have the cigarette-style power take-off
2. Can't fit the sensor for the artificial HUD / 3-D environment under the MRG centre; it works where we could have it, just not as well.
3. Cannot break into the vacuum lines to connect the altimeter on the Flymap L - so that piece of the HUD does not work.
No matter that each of the actions was "little" and well within the competency of the maintenance team, no approved MOD = No Chance.