Jonathan Alvord
Well Known Member
Just returned from a trip from Washington State to Martha's Vineyard with my wife for our 25th anniversary and the flight was nearly uneventful with the exception of loss of comms while descending down and entering a Class Delta Airport at State College PA. We were able to hear but could no longer transmit on the primary radio, and then when we did transmit the Auto pilot would do some wacky movements (Thus we had to disconnect auto pilot when talking to other.) I have a back up comm radio and it would transmit and receive just not as well. We were flying through some pretty good weather while maintaining VFR but the Rain was heavy at times. and we tried to keep the plan covered but when the canopy would be lifted the water would undoubtedly find its way in and drip on our legs in the cockpit. I did manage to pick up a handheld (Back up)from a friend and tried to get an avionics shop in Concord NH to take a look at it (they just said I would have to remove the SL30 and send it to the factory to get repaired when I returned home.) After arriving to Martha's Vineyard and the plane getting a chance to dry out the radio began working again, however the back up radio which, was not having issues, started to affect the Autopilot but would still transmit and receive. Not sure where to start! Should I pull the SL30 and send it in for service ($800 flat fee per Garmin but have to take to service center first.) I do have an appointment to get ADSB installed and can ask avionics guys in Oregon to take a look at it.
Additionally Transponder would occasionally stop transmitting and would have to be reset.
Where would you start? Personally I think the humidity got to the system and caused a short. (This is the only aspect of the design that I think was poorly thought out). I have tried to seal the leading edge but that is not possible with a tip up canopy.
Additionally Transponder would occasionally stop transmitting and would have to be reset.
Where would you start? Personally I think the humidity got to the system and caused a short. (This is the only aspect of the design that I think was poorly thought out). I have tried to seal the leading edge but that is not possible with a tip up canopy.