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  #1  
Old 04-28-2014, 08:10 PM
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flightlogic flightlogic is offline
 
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Default Do I really have to have a compass?

My vertical card compass is now in the panel looking pretty. It reads about 170 degrees off real life. I suppose I could put a correction card indicating the massive error.... but that might be embarrassing.
In this catergory (sic) that we operate in.... will the FAA zing me if I just don't have one?
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Old 04-28-2014, 08:20 PM
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N941WR N941WR is offline
 
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The answer to your question is "No"; however, you do need a magnetic direction indicator. That can be included in you EFIS but does not have to be a wet compass.

Note, some inspectors insist on a wet compass but it is not required, per say.
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  #3  
Old 04-28-2014, 09:25 PM
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Mel Mel is online now
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by N941WR View Post
The answer to your question is "No"; however, you do need a magnetic direction indicator. That can be included in you EFIS but does not have to be a wet compass.
Note, some inspectors insist on a wet compass but it is not required, per say.
This requirement is only for IFR or night flight. For daytime VFR, no instruments are required.
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  #4  
Old 04-28-2014, 10:38 PM
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donaziza donaziza is offline
 
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If you ever want to land at a class C or maybe even class B, they'll give you "heading vectors" to sequence you into traffic. Might maybe could get them in a military MOA too, although this possibility is more remote.

Just sayin
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Old 04-28-2014, 10:46 PM
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ColoRv ColoRv is offline
 
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I had this out recently with my DAR. For day VFR only he said he "might" entertain the lack of a wet compass...but if you're putting lights on it... absolutely no way he would allow it. I argued that I have the G3X system as well as the Dynon as backup...both with separate backup batteries. He said, backup batteries are often dead when you need them (which oddly enough just happened to me with TCW). I said, but I would have to lose my electrical system and the main battery and have two backup batteries go TU? He only had one word in response....lightning. I was sunk.

So, perhaps your DAR will feel differently but mine would not budge.

Now, if it happens to fall off after your inspection....well these things happen.
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Old 04-28-2014, 10:48 PM
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Mark Albery Mark Albery is offline
 
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170? is a gross error and indicates something amiss.

Assuming that you didn't check it inside a steel framed building, have you tried doing a survey with a hand held compass? Move it around in the vicinity of the panel and see if you can find the cause of the stray magnetic field.

Most purpose built instruments and avionics will be designed with a small compass-safe distance, but if you've mounted a portable GPS with batteries or something similar, it may not be as compass safe, but should be easy to pin down. If it is because some of the steel weldments or canopy frame etc has become permanently magnetised, you may be able to de-gauss it to an acceptable level.

It is potentially the most reliable instrument in the panel and it should be possible to get it working correctly.
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  #7  
Old 04-28-2014, 11:03 PM
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Default compass lost it's way

Well, I have a great SIRS NAVIGATOR... and it worked just fine up on the post. But, being contrary... I took it out. Now I see traffic better. It is up for sale.
I put a used vertical card compass in the only hole left. Over on the right where the vacuum indicator was. (just yanked out all the vacuum system)
I think the proximity to the Sandia transponder right next to it... or structure nearby is swamping it. The little brass screwdriver in my tool box would probably be futile. Seeing as how I don't really go out in the dark anymore... especially with one engine... I might just leave it alone. Could always do a 360 and get out of trouble. The Grand Rapids mini is telling me which way I am headed, but is reporting a bunch of behind the scenes magnetometer errors. It is probably feeling as frustrated as the other compass. (being internal to the unit)
Just don't want to run afoul of a FSDO type with a badge and a bad headache. It would be my luck.
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  #8  
Old 04-28-2014, 11:09 PM
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Snowflake Snowflake is offline
 
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In Canada the requirement is for a compass that operates "independently of the aircraft electrical system". A Dynon D10A with internal backup battery meets that requirement, as all power is supplied by the internal backup battery in the event of a failure of the aircraft electrical system...
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  #9  
Old 04-28-2014, 11:13 PM
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RV7A Flyer RV7A Flyer is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ColoRv View Post
I had this out recently with my DAR. For day VFR only he said he "might" entertain the lack of a wet compass...but if you're putting lights on it... absolutely no way he would allow it. I argued that I have the G3X system as well as the Dynon as backup...both with separate backup batteries. He said, backup batteries are often dead when you need them (which oddly enough just happened to me with TCW). I said, but I would have to lose my electrical system and the main battery and have two backup batteries go TU? He only had one word in response....lightning. I was sunk.

So, perhaps your DAR will feel differently but mine would not budge.

Now, if it happens to fall off after your inspection....well these things happen.
This is the kind of stuff that makes people despise the FAA. It's silly, pedantic and does nothing to improve safety or reliability. Lightning? Seriously?

My DAR didn't even bother to bring it up after seeing my panel (SV1000 and D-6), and rightly so.

The fact that people get aircraft signed off with "wet compasses" they bought at Target taped to the dash (which then "fall off" later) is an indication that certain inspectors are being ridiculous in their "interpretation" of the rules.

The rule says "a magnetic direction indicator", period. An EFIS with an AHRS should be sufficient in *anyone's* book.

Shees.
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  #10  
Old 04-28-2014, 11:19 PM
nauga nauga is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ColoRv View Post
I had this out recently with my DAR. For day VFR only he said he "might" entertain the lack of a wet compass...but if you're putting lights on it... absolutely no way he would allow it [...] So, perhaps your DAR will feel differently but mine would not budge.
I'm grateful that my DAR was familiar with 91.205 (applicable to standard cat) and did not try to make policy. What if he said he wouldn't sign you off without weather radar?
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