Good Morning folks,
Buying my first airplane (C172E) and have a few questions regarding some older style items that seem to work fine, but just wondering when/if you'd suggest I spend the time and money on upgrading. The list and my plans (sort of) are below:
1) Old Style pitot tube - Looks like a drain vent, and has the metal cover that flies open in the wind. - Seems to work fine and not expecting any icing, but if there's another reason you would suggest, please elaborate.
2) Generator System - Still running on a generator system that was overhauled recently. Not going to put any crazy electronics in there, because of the power draw, but it seems to work fine. In theory, I hear it's more reliable than an alternator, just allows for less power draw. Thoughts here?
3) Lights - Currently using incandescent lights, but plan on eventually replacing with LEDs. Especially with having a generator instead of an alternator. Any suggestions on lights?
4) ADS-B -Plan on using the UAvionix Tail Beacon in conjunction with the installed Mode C transponder (which was just re-certified) once the STC is approved next month.
5) Wet Vacuum Pump - A little heavier but more reliable apparently than a dry vacuum pump from what I've heard. Also overhauled relatively recently. I've heard from various people that wet systems rarely fail, and there's not really a reason to replace, just looking for consensus here.
6) Has the MOGAS STC - Plan on using MOGAS when available and AVGAS otherwise.
Anything else an E model might have that you'd consider looking at or getting replaced? It's currently in annual, so I expect everything will be airworthy when I pick it up. My plans for this aircraft are essentially to fly like crazy for the next 6 months and build 400-500 hours, so I'm sure stuff will pop-up along the way.
P.S. I didn't know if I'd like the manual flaps before I flew it, but after doing so, actually kind of prefer these to the electric flaps of the 172N models I have roughly 300 hours in.
Buying my first airplane (C172E) and have a few questions regarding some older style items that seem to work fine, but just wondering when/if you'd suggest I spend the time and money on upgrading. The list and my plans (sort of) are below:
1) Old Style pitot tube - Looks like a drain vent, and has the metal cover that flies open in the wind. - Seems to work fine and not expecting any icing, but if there's another reason you would suggest, please elaborate.
2) Generator System - Still running on a generator system that was overhauled recently. Not going to put any crazy electronics in there, because of the power draw, but it seems to work fine. In theory, I hear it's more reliable than an alternator, just allows for less power draw. Thoughts here?
3) Lights - Currently using incandescent lights, but plan on eventually replacing with LEDs. Especially with having a generator instead of an alternator. Any suggestions on lights?
4) ADS-B -Plan on using the UAvionix Tail Beacon in conjunction with the installed Mode C transponder (which was just re-certified) once the STC is approved next month.
5) Wet Vacuum Pump - A little heavier but more reliable apparently than a dry vacuum pump from what I've heard. Also overhauled relatively recently. I've heard from various people that wet systems rarely fail, and there's not really a reason to replace, just looking for consensus here.
6) Has the MOGAS STC - Plan on using MOGAS when available and AVGAS otherwise.
Anything else an E model might have that you'd consider looking at or getting replaced? It's currently in annual, so I expect everything will be airworthy when I pick it up. My plans for this aircraft are essentially to fly like crazy for the next 6 months and build 400-500 hours, so I'm sure stuff will pop-up along the way.
P.S. I didn't know if I'd like the manual flaps before I flew it, but after doing so, actually kind of prefer these to the electric flaps of the 172N models I have roughly 300 hours in.
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