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  #1  
Old 01-08-2010, 01:29 PM
foka4 foka4 is offline
 
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Location: Ankeny, IA
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Default Whiskey compass required with EFIS?

Is a whiskey compass required when you have an EFIS? What if the EFIS doesn't have a magnetometer (i.e., TruTrak)?

Thanks,

Matthew

Last edited by foka4 : 01-08-2010 at 01:30 PM. Reason: typo
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  #2  
Old 01-08-2010, 01:53 PM
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Jamie Jamie is offline
 
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What is the aircraft's mission? Day VFR, Night VFR, IFR?
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  #3  
Old 01-08-2010, 02:01 PM
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N941WR N941WR is offline
 
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What EFIS? The regs simply require a "Magnetic Direction Indicator" or something like that.

Many of the EFIS's (EFII?) have this built in (Dynon, GRT, etc), so no whiskey compass is required, regardless of the type of flight (Day, night, IFR, etc.). However, it is up to you to design and fly with whatever you are comfortable with.

PS. Try the "search" button, this is a very common question.
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  #4  
Old 01-08-2010, 02:45 PM
foka4 foka4 is offline
 
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Default Required Equipment

I think the FARs list a compass as required equipment for VFR and IFR flight. My mission is IFR cross country, but based on my understanding of the regs, a compass is required equipment even for a NORDO day VFR cruiser.

The TruTrak EFIS system does not need (nor use) a magnetometer for orientation in flight, so any indication of direction is based on ground track rather than compass heading. (Any discussion on the efficaciousness of such a setup is probably better posted in the "never-ending debates" section of this forum.)

So, it would seem a whiskey compass (or other heading indicating device capable of displaying magnetic heading) is required when using the TruTrak EFIS.

M
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  #5  
Old 01-08-2010, 02:47 PM
foka4 foka4 is offline
 
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Default EFIS and compass

I searched around on this one and didn't find anything. If anyone is familiar with a thread that addresses this question definitively, please post a link or send me a PM.

Thanks,

Matthew
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  #6  
Old 01-08-2010, 02:55 PM
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N941WR N941WR is offline
 
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Matthew,

Try reading this thread:
http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...tic+instrument

Again, a "Magnetic direction indicator" is all that is required not a whiskey compass. Heck, it is my understanding that some of the more advance airliners don't even have a whiskey compass any more.
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Last edited by N941WR : 03-24-2010 at 07:32 AM.
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  #7  
Old 01-08-2010, 03:15 PM
foka4 foka4 is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by N941WR View Post
Matthew,

Try reading this thread:
http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...tic+instrument

Again, a "Magnetic direction indicator" is all that is required not a whiskey compass. Heck, it is my understanding that some of the more advance airliners don't even have a shiskey compass any more.
Thanks. Actually, I should have been a little more specific. I saw a thread or two pertaining to the Dynon, but it has a magnetometer. I haven't seen a thread in this forum indicating whether a TruTrak-equipped aircraft needs a compass.

My best guess is that a separate compass (magnetic direction indicator) is required for flying IFR with a TruTrak EFIS. If I find out anything more, I'll be sure to inform this thread.

M
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  #8  
Old 01-08-2010, 04:47 PM
SteinAir SteinAir is offline
 
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Default

The fact of the matter is that is varies depending on some DAR's and some FSDO's. I think many FSDO's have settled on the fact taht a Whisky Compass is required, but I still hear now and again that some DAR's do not. So, right now at least, there is no hard and fast answer.

My 2 cents as usual!

Cheers,
Stein

PS, Bill...which airliners do not have compasses in them? Personal curiosity! I figured the 787 and the new Sparky's (Airbus) are some of the most advanced out there....and they have a whisky compass in 'em.

Last edited by SteinAir : 01-08-2010 at 04:52 PM.
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  #9  
Old 01-08-2010, 05:35 PM
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Mel Mel is offline
 
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This has been discussed at length at our DAR seminars. The regs require a "magnetic direction indicator" for 91.205 operations. For experimental amateur-built that means at night and/or IFR. The Dynon magnetometer meets this requirement. For daytime VFR nothing is required.
A "course direction indicator" does not meet this regulation. i.e. A magnetic direction indicator will indicate a direction without movement of the aircraft. A course direction indicator will not.
Some DARs may require a whiskey compass. That is their prerogative. An inspector may require more than the regs call for in the name of safety.
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Last edited by Mel : 01-08-2010 at 06:16 PM.
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  #10  
Old 01-08-2010, 05:56 PM
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Jerry Carter Jerry Carter is offline
 
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Default Ask your D.A.R.

I put a wet compass in my panel because my D.A.R. said it was required despite the fact that I have a remote magnatometer with my Dynon EFIS which seems to be very accurate. I did not enter a debate with him about this. The compass is extremely erratic and totally unreliable. That's why I have it way over on the right side of the panel.
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