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VSI recommendations
Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 12:35 am
by Paul-WI
58D is going in for it's first annual in November and am going to have a few things replaced and installed. One of the items is my VSI. It does not read accurately (I wished it climbed at 2500 fpm!). Any recommendations? I want to retain a somewhat original look if I can. Also, what are the rules or regs on installing TSO'd parts vs non TSO'd parts?
Thanks again!
Paul N3458D
Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 3:19 am
by GAHorn
If your VSI is original and you wish to retain it, have it overhauled. The shop can refresh it's face while they're at it. This is likely the least expensive option and will most likely result in your obtaining the best instrument for the dollar.
TSO's meet certain specifications that guarantee that they do not improperly interfere with other equipment. (Your TSO'd VSI won't interefere with other instruments sharing the same static system, or influence their performance adversely.) But otherwise, for non IFR certified aircraft, if lowest price is your object, you are not required to install TSO'd equipment if you don't choose to in these aircraft. (But usually you get what you pay for....cheap instruments that may lack durability and use non-standard parts that may not be readily available when repairs are required, because they are not mfr'd to Technical Standard Orders.)
(I'd call a couple overhaul shops like Genuine Aircraft Instruments or Capitol Instruments in Wichita, or Rudy's in Arkansas, if I were looking for low-priced quality equpment (my own, - repaired.)
By the way,... now is the time to ask them to put a Cessna logo in the face if you want it...probably no additional cost.
Aircraft Quality Instruments Inc
2649 S Custer Ave
Wichita, KS 67217
(316) 942-9933
RUDY AIRCRAFT INSTRUMENTS, INC.
4711 Old Bowman Rd.
Rudy, ARK 72952.
(479) 474-8759
AIR CAPITAL INSTRUMENTS
3535 W 30 ST S, #2
WICHITA, KS 67217
Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 11:56 am
by doug8082a
Also,
Keystone Instruments
320 Proctor St.
Lock Haven, PA 17745
570-748-7083
http://www.keystoneinstruments.com
Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 1:04 pm
by Bruce Fenstermacher
I second Keystone in Pa. I can not give a higher recommendation to these people. It's a family run business in it's second generation rebuilding and restoring aircraft instruments.
Just be very specific with what you want. You will be pleased with the outcome.
Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 8:28 pm
by 1SeventyZ
Was there such as thing as TSO'd instruments back in the 50's? I've always understood it to be a later thing. Can you find a TSO spec # for your original VSI?
Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 11:58 pm
by GAHorn
I don't think he was inferring that his original was TSO'd...but that while shopping for a new instrument, he was confronted with the decision as to whether or not it would be a requirement for installation. (The answer being, "No.")
Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 1:33 pm
by Paul-WI
I don't think he was inferring that his original was TSO'd...but that while shopping for a new instrument, he was confronted with the decision as to whether or not it would be a requirement for installation. (The answer being, "No.")
That would be correct. Man, the more I learn, the less I know. What a learning curve owning a plane
Paul
N3458D[/quote]