fleman202 Posted October 19, 2016 Report Share Posted October 19, 2016 We recently had our gyro-stabilized attitude indicator die in our R44, and we are looking for a replacement. I'd like to go the digital route, because we do ag work and the flying is not easy on the gyros. Any thoughts or experience on the digital attitude indicators? In looking around the Sandia 340 Quattro caught my eye. For the money it seems like it would be a good replacement. Does anyone have any experience with this brand of avionics? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Hunt Posted October 23, 2016 Report Share Posted October 23, 2016 Have a look at the Aspen screens, about $15k for a full setup, enough to fly IFR if you want, and huge amount of information in a useable form. And cheaper to buy than overhauling your gyro instrument. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pokey Posted October 27, 2016 Report Share Posted October 27, 2016 Have a look at the Aspen screens, about $15k for a full setup, enough to fly IFR if you want, and huge amount of information in a useable form. And cheaper to buy than overhauling your gyro instrument. fifteen thousand is cheaper than overhauling an attitude indicator? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Hunt Posted October 27, 2016 Report Share Posted October 27, 2016 It is, when it replaces the AI, compass, and turn indicator gyros, plus it gives you an altimeter, VSI, ADF, VOR, and coffee machine. Plus if you call in the next 20 minutes, you get a set of steak knives! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleman202 Posted October 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2016 I'm seeing new AI's going for 2-3k. This is not even close to an IFR ship, we just want a back up. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rupert Posted November 1, 2016 Report Share Posted November 1, 2016 Just put a large scale turn needle (not a wings leveler) and ball in it. I taught instruments for three years. When I had a student who couldn't fly straight and level, I covered the AI and had him fly needle, ball and airspeed. Way easier. If a pilot has become dependent on the AI, someone taught him wrong. Pretty universal nowadays. Sadly, I realize I have completely wasted my time writing this. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Hunt Posted November 1, 2016 Report Share Posted November 1, 2016 Taught him wrong??? The whole principle of instrument flying is the Selective Radial Scan. Radial, because everything is based on the AI at the hub. 90% of his scan should be on the AI, with a glance away at one other instrument to check it is where it should be, then back to the AI, a glance at another, back to the AI and so on. You are teaching Limited Panel technique, something which a pilot must be able to do when the AI falls over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canadian47 Posted November 1, 2016 Report Share Posted November 1, 2016 I put a Dynon D1 in my '47. Has a neat mounting bracket that clips into a standard 3.5" instrument hole but is not permanently attached so no paperwork required. http://www.dynonavionics.com/docs/PocketPanel.html Not certified but given that your R44 isn't either that won't matter. Glenn 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UH60L-IP Posted November 1, 2016 Report Share Posted November 1, 2016 Just put a large scale turn needle (not a wings leveler) and ball in it.I taught instruments for three years. When I had a student who couldn't fly straight and level, I covered the AI and had him fly needle, ball and airspeed. Way easier.If a pilot has become dependent on the AI, someone taught him wrong. Pretty universal nowadays.Sadly, I realize I have completely wasted my time writing this. It is 2017, not 1964. The AI is the master instrument. As such, you should rely upon it. I've got two glass PFDs and a back-up gyro horizon, none of which is dependent upon the other. I see no reason why it should not be relied upon. Even teaching partial panel is pretty much pointless in this century. Now, if were talking about a R22 or R44 trainer (which will never touch a cloud) you might be on to something. Any modern helicopter going into the clouds, use the AI. That's the job of the AI. I've taught instruments for 9 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r22butters Posted November 1, 2016 Report Share Posted November 1, 2016 It is 2017, not 1964. The AI is the master instrument. As such, you should rely upon it. I've got two glass PFDs and a back-up gyro horizon, none of which is dependent upon the other. I see no reason why it should not be relied upon. Even teaching partial panel is pretty much pointless in this century. Now, if were talking about a R22 or R44 trainer (which will never touch a cloud) you might be on to something. Any modern helicopter going into the clouds, use the AI. That's the job of the AI. I've taught instruments for 9 years.I was about to agree with Rupert based on my own instrument training experience, then I realized it was over twelve years ago! Everyone's going glass these days, can the AI even fail separately anymore? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Hunt Posted November 2, 2016 Report Share Posted November 2, 2016 Remember the basics : Power, plus Attitude = Performance (when in balance.) Set a known power, hold a known attitude,(from the AI) and you should get the performance you expect. If not, one of the above items is not where it should be. And since we are wagging them around, been teaching instruments since 1976 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam32 Posted November 3, 2016 Report Share Posted November 3, 2016 An AG R44...I'm surprised you even have an instrument panel! Since it'll never be going into a cloud...keep it simple 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helonorth Posted November 3, 2016 Report Share Posted November 3, 2016 I didn't think there was anything more than an altimeter and a wet compass on ag aircraft. Certainly nothing gyroscopic, but I don't fly ag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleman202 Posted November 8, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 8, 2016 I put a Dynon D1 in my '47. Has a neat mounting bracket that clips into a standard 3.5" instrument hole but is not permanently attached so no paperwork required. http://www.dynonavionics.com/docs/PocketPanel.html Not certified but given that your R44 isn't either that won't matter. Glenn This seems like a good option to have as a back up. Thank you for the suggestion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.