Instruments For Experimental AIrcraft?
 

Can anyone point me to a definitive statement that the minimum VFR instruments of ASI, Altimeter, slip as well as radios do NOT have to be TSO'd or otherwise approved in experimental category aircraft?

The CASR part 91 consultation draft specifies that the minimum instrument fit has to be of approved types and "approved" is defined as TSO or equivalent elsewhere. The penalty for flying without approved instruments is 50 penalty units.

Furthermore, I am advised, (but cannot now find the reference) that entry into controlled airspace even for day VFR requires an approved radio. There is also the little matter of ACMA approval and licencing.

Then there is the question of transponder and encoder approvals.

I get the distinct impression that we are operating on a "she'll be right" basis and I cannot seem to find authoritative information anywhere.

Sunnie,

Simply, contact the CASA Authorised Person you intend using in your part of the world and discuss it with them. Otherwise this will be another thread that turns into rabble and misinformation.

Two that come to mind, and the closest to you is Darren Barnefield, he is also a LAME and also the guy who has pulled RAA technical matters into line.
https://au.linkedin.com/pub/darren-barnfield/37/578/54

I don't have his phone number but it will not be hard to find.

You can contact Darren via RAA HQ or I have his number if you want PM me.

Sunny, Experimental has been around for what, over 10 years now and all is fine and dandy and in accordance with the relevant instruments, CAR's and CAO's. As a newcomer to it, you just need time to get your head around it, so follow Jabba's advice and talk to Darren.

Part 91 consultation "draft"

Note the key word in the above line.

Hi Sunny,

AC 21.4 (2) para 7.2 makes a generic statement regarding the fact that no components of an aircraft issued with an experimental CofA are required to be certificated. This blanket statement would include radios, instruments etc.

Although not certificated/TSO'd, these components would still require calibration iaw acceptable practices.

As for requiring "approved" radios, transponders etc. for flight in CTA, we'd better ask the SAAA Techman. I recall seeing this question raised in an Airsport magazine quite a long time ago but cannot recall the references provided in the response.

Sunfish.

Perhaps re-read your thread from April 2013 on the same topic.

http://www.pprune.org/pacific-genera...struments.html




Amiri01, I'm not convinced that paragraph 2 is suggesting what you say it is.

http://www.casa.gov.au/rules/1998casr/021/021c04.pdf

Sunfish,
I think you will find that the transponder is the one thing that must be TSO'd , and any GPS source for ADS-B out must also meet all the necessary specs.
As for things like altimeters, ASI etc, buy overhauled TSO's from the US (or here if you can find a competitive price) because many of the el cheapo stuff will not meet the calibration rules.
Tootle pip!!
PS: I strongly recommend "needle and drum" altimeter, as opposed to two/three needles altimeter.

I am curious, why? he will need power for that, isnt he talking about a home built? United Instruments 2 needle altimeter will be more than adequate for the job and infinitely cheaper than needle and drum. :confused:

Arnold E,
Yep! Two needle will do the job, but needle and drum with DC vibrators are available, or, if the aircraft has an inverter, the AC vibrator altimeters are a bit cheaper. If an altimeter is the only use for AC, small inverters cost pennies.
In the total cost of the airplane Sunny is building, the cost difference between crap instruments and good stuff will be sod all of the total.
My preference is because of the long history of misreading two/three needle altimeters - and they look nicer.
Tootle pip!!

Please tell me your not serious. :ugh:

An inverter on a home built, your not serious, .......are you ?

Arnold E,
Yes to both, I am serious.
Have you seen how small an inverter can be, now, with enough volt/amps to drive the vibrator on a needle and drum altimeter --- not much bigger than a matchbox, and weighing sod all.
Call me old fashioned, by I think using good quality flight instruments is a good investment.
Tootle pip!!

Why use analogue or old school when most these days have Dynons or similar?

Squark7700,

A very good point, eliminate a fist full of instruments all in one go, and virtually eliminate maintenance problems.
I just love solid state gyros, DGs etc.

Tootle pip!!

PS: But I still have a soft spot for good quality round dials, if that is the way you are going.

the question sunfish should know the answer to is this.

my aircraft has been sitting in the sun waiting for refuelling.
it is a hot day and the temperature of the dash has reached 50 degrees celsius.
what will my instruments show me?

round instruments win I'm afraid.