Non-glass vacuum delete?

Mtns2Skies

Final Approach
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Mtns2Skies
I'm not particularly a big fan of glass panels, and Mrs. Mtns2Skies is very opposed to glass in a taildragger. That being said, I'd still like the benefits or removing the vacuum system for weight loss and simplicity. Are there electric gyro DG/AI's available as a primary instrument that don't cost more than a G5?
 
Keep a look out for the Aerovoincs AV30. You might get away with it and keep the steam gauge look. Their stuff is with the FAA right now.
 
Keep a look out for the Aerovoincs AV30. You might get away with it and keep the steam gauge look. Their stuff is with the FAA right now.

That.

This is how I plan to replace my AI and ditch the last bit of my vac system.
 
I found good electric gyros for my plane by watching eBay and Craglist. AH for $275, DG $135. Both work perfectly and TSOed. I back up with Dynon D2.
 
I've been watching the AV30 as well, but what happens if the 140A (or 180 or 185) aren't on the AML?
 
If you troll ebay you can find the RC Allen and MidContinent electric models come up periodically. I have a non-lifesaver Midcontinent I'll be selling here at some point along with the rest of the junk I removed(er, not junk, lovely analog aviation parts).
 
No it won’t if you are looking for a legal backup. It’s certified under NORSEE.
Not sure how that works...It's OK to install it and use it under NORSEE but you can't look at it if your primary fails?

Vacuum sucks :)
 
Not sure how that works...It's OK to install it and use it under NORSEE but you can't look at it if your primary fails?

Vacuum sucks :)


The OP wants to rip out the vac system and R/R with a certified solution. Best bet is to wait till the AV30 has the STC, or go with G5 or an E5 and be done with it. But I think the OPis tryingto keep that classic panel look.
 
The OP wants to rip out the vac system and R/R with a certified solution. Best bet is to wait till the AV30 has the STC, or go with G5 or an E5 and be done with it. But I think the OPis tryingto keep that classic panel look.
You've hit the nail squarely on the head.
 
Why is everyone recommending the AV-30? It may be round, but it's still glass.

There are plenty of electric spinny-gyro attitude indicators out there, like the one @Tom-D linked to.
 
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Resurrecting this because I'm looking at gyro replacements, I don't need the features of a G5 but I want to get rid of the weight and complexity of vacuum. Plus my HG is dead.

From a weight perspective, would an electric gyro not gain you much over a vacuum gyro assembly? I understand you're ditching the pump and tubing, but wouldn't an electronic option be the lightest?

What about the RC Allen stuff? 1510 and 2610, specifically. They look good on paper.
 
Resurrecting this because I'm looking at gyro replacements, I don't need the features of a G5 but I want to get rid of the weight and complexity of vacuum. Plus my HG is dead.

From a weight perspective, would an electric gyro not gain you much over a vacuum gyro assembly? I understand you're ditching the pump and tubing, but wouldn't an electronic option be the lightest?

What about the RC Allen stuff? 1510 and 2610, specifically. They look good on paper.

(Second column from the right is weights)

upload_2019-5-30_14-3-29.png
 
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Electric/Mecanical gyros weight about the same as a vacuum gyro.

Solid State gyros (such as the G5) weigh about half, but that's not the whole story when you add an antenna, GMU, GAD and standby batteries (as applicable)
 
Anyone know anything about the RC Allen options? 1510 and 2610.
 
All total only 12 pounds? I was under the impression the net total once adding digital instruments would be about -15.

That might be what people say but it's nonsense. Those gyros were the originals a Cessna 182 came with in 1968. I weighed all that stuff personally on a digital calibrated scale used to weigh aircraft fire extinguishers
 
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