AV30C with Magnetometer

Bartman

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 27, 2018
Messages
4,713
Location
New Jersey, USA
Hi all,

If it's ok to use non-TSO avionics in a certified airframe, is it also ok to use a magnetometer that isn't approved with a TSO or STC'd AV-30?

It would be really nice to have a stable and accurate magnetic heading reference in addition to the required compass.

 
Hi all,

If it's ok to use non-TSO avionics in a certified airframe, is it also ok to use a magnetometer that isn't approved with a TSO or STC'd AV-30?

It would be really nice to have a stable and accurate magnetic heading reference in addition to the required compass.


Seems like nearly a moot point, since they expect STC approval by next spring.

I think you extrapolated that non-certified avionics thing too far. Some guys found a way to parse the regs to justify installing non-certified RADIOS. A budget radio manufacturer liked the argument and posted it on the interwebs. The FAA did not or could not refute it, and silence is consent. But the logic of that argument was specific to radios. It is not open season to install experimental products in certified aircraft.
 
Non-TSO isn't a fringe thing, the King KX170B was a non-TSO radio and it was in tons of planes like my 1965 Aztec back in the 90's.
 
You do not even need TSO for transponders. All they have to do is "meet" the TSO requirements. See 14 CFR 91.215 and the definition of "meets" in appendix A of order 8300.16A CHG 1.

When you go to the TSO for com radios it says "go to RTCA-DO 186." The com radio TSO did not exist before the 1990s.

My FSDO has been diligently looking for a rule. So far, they are just arm-waving. They say "you cannot do it." I say "show me the regulation or guidance." They then say "You cannot do it."

I have no idea about compass equipment - I can guarantee that my Cubs do not have TSO compasses, but they are CAR 4a airplanes.
 
You want the ball attached with screws with a little play so you can level it.
Isn't there something in the regs that allow non-TSO items if they're not permanently affixed, ie: window shades, iPad mounts with velcro, etc.?
 
How about a non-TSO slip skid indicator "glued" to the panel underneath said AV-30?
that is plan B. Plan A is to use the slip/skid indicator that is built into the AV-30. if it isn't very useful or if it's hard to see, there's a spot on the panel for the old fangled kind.
 
There is guidance on what are called "PED"s - the FAA allows permanent docking stations with connections to "ship's power." Not only that, it calls the docking station a "minor alteration."

PED means portable electronic device and includes communication equipment.

See Policy Statement ACE 23-01.
Also see PED ARC Final Report 09.30.13.
 
that's what justifies the panel mount of my flush ipad mount. no power but it is hard mounted in the panel
 
Back
Top