AI busted

N64GH · #1 08-05-2013, 04:42 PM

Out flying yesterday hear this horrendous noise scan gauges and see the AI spinning wildly. It eventually stops all cockeyed. See pic notice left side. Never having problems (800 + hours) I have no idea how much it costs to repair, any ball park ideas? I was also thinking of dumping the vacuum system and replacing with Dynon D6 or Gemini PFD. I am just day/night VFR so do not see the need to get to fancy. I fly a 6. Money is tight. Suggestions , Ideas?

Hopefully I figured out how to add the picture.

Mel · #2 08-05-2013, 04:50 PM

I replaced my electrical AI with a Dynon D10 many years.
Size and weight almost identical, cost vs. AI overhaul very close.
Much more info on the D10.
Never, for one minute, regretted the decision.

blueflyer · #3 08-05-2013, 04:57 PM

Mike
You are in deep trouble! My AI went out several years ago (in another experimental). I said to myself I should just upgrade rather than spend many hundreds, or maybe a thousand or so dollars on a repair or replacement unit.

I removed the AI, then the next thing I knew, I had the ASI and VSI out of the panel. Then I said, what the heck, I should just pull the whole panel. It cost me many thousands of dollars for a new glass panel. Not to mention the many hours of labor to fabricate and install the new panel....I thought many times during that period, "If only I would have just replaced that AI, I would be flying right now."

edit: I like Mel's idea for a replacement.

n5lp · #4 08-05-2013, 05:11 PM

One of the most satisfying days in my RV-6 owning life was pulling out the troublesome AI, heading indicator, vacuum pump, vacuum regulator and assorted hoses and slapping in that Dynon D10. Nothing but good about that decision.

rockwoodrv9 · #5 08-05-2013, 06:58 PM

I thought it said AL was busted and I wanted to see what for!

kinger · #6 08-05-2013, 07:06 PM

Michigan Aviation
(248) 666-3440
Based on field at PTK (Pontiac MI)

Great work, trustworthy and reasonable.

They will give you a quote for repair, overhaul or outright exchange

good luck

N64GH · #7 08-05-2013, 08:05 PM

I suppose I should say I am in SoCal.

DaAV8R · #8 08-05-2013, 08:18 PM

If budget is an issue, you can probably buy a take out for $50.00 to $150.00. It is pot luck on the service life of a used unit, but it would get you back in the air cheap.

N64GH · #9 08-05-2013, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaAV8R

If budget is an issue, you can probably buy a take out for $50.00 to $150.00. It is pot luck on the service life of a used unit, but it would get you back in the air cheap.

I just had an offer of a use one. Seriously thinking about. Right now budget is an issue. Thanks for the thought. I had not considered that option.

Russ McCutcheon · #10 08-05-2013, 08:44 PM

I thought it said IA Busted!

You could just flag it as in-op and keep flying. I think that's right, yes no?

All my RV has is needle ball and airspeed and vertical speed.