Compass

[expglider]

Is it required to install a compass in an experimental aircraft? If so can you tell me were I will find that in the regs?

JG

[lostpilot28]

Hi JG,
If you do a search for "compass regulations" you'll get lots of hits. It's been discussed many times before.

So as not to beat you up over not searching too much, I've done a search for you and found the following:
http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...tic+instrument

This should help answer your question.

[terrykohler]

Go to www.vansaircraft.com and download the latest issue (came out yesterday, I think). Nice piece covering this very issue.
Terry, CFI
RV-9A N323TP

[noelf]

...in the newest Van's "THE RVATOR" (fourth issue 2010), Sott McDaniels has an article on Magnetic Heading Indicator calibration. He also mentions that a magnetic compass is not required, only a MHI device.

[expglider]

Good stuff, thanks. Would an experimental be legal to fly with no magnetic indicator of any kind?

JG

[Crossbow]

Originally Posted by expglider

Good stuff, thanks. Would an experimental be legal to fly with no magnetic indicator of any kind?

JG

Well, I think that one may be able to legally fly a plane without a MHI provided:

that the plane was kept at 10,000' MSL, or less,
that the plane was operated in day light,
that the plane was not being used for any sort of commercial applications,
that the plane was flying in VFR conditions, and
that the plane was kept out of controlled airspace.

However, I seriously doubt that any DAR would approve of an experimental without some sort of magnetic heading indicator regardless of where the plane was going to be used.

[Auburntsts]

Agree with Crossbow--91.205 does not apply unless you want to fly at night or IFR, IOW no instruments of any kind are "legally" required for day-VFR ops. However, if you desire to fly at night or IFR, then not only does the 91.205 night and/or IFR requirements apply, but all of the daytime VFR requirements apply as well.

[aerhed]

Not right.
91.205 (b) lists required equipment for VFR, DAY. Item #3 is... Magnetic Direction Indicator. Can't get much more specific than that.

[Jamie]

Originally Posted by aerhed

Not right.
91.205 (b) lists required equipment for VFR, DAY. Item #3 is... Magnetic Direction Indicator. Can't get much more specific than that.

Common mistake. You gotta read part (a) too. Experimentals do not have standard airworthiness certificates.

(a) General. Except as provided in paragraphs (c)(3) and (e) of this section, no person may operate a powered civil aircraft with a standard category U.S. airworthiness certificate in any operation described in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section unless that aircraft contains the instruments and equipment specified in those paragraphs (or FAA-approved equivalents) for that type of operation, and those instruments and items of equipment are in operable condition.

[Auburntsts]

Day-VFR requirements apply only to aircraft with standard Airworthiness Certificates:

91.205 Powered civil aircraft with standard category U.S. airworthiness certificates: Instrument and equipment requirements.

We're talking E-AB AWCs so there's no requirement to adhere to 91.205. IAW with the OP Lims, 91.205 does apply for night and IFR:

(8) After completion of phase I flight testing, unless appropriately equipped for night and/or instrument flight in accordance with ? 91.205, this aircraft is to be operated under VFR, day only.

In those cases, the VFR parts do apply because of the way the para is worded:

91.205
(c) Visual flight rules (night). For VFR flight at night, the following instruments and equipment are required:
(1) Instruments and equipment specified in paragraph (b) of this section
(2) Approved.......

NOTE: Para b is the day VFR section.

91.205
(d) Instrument flight rules. For IFR flight, the following instruments and equipment are required:
(1) Instruments and equipment specified in paragraph (b) of this section, and, for night flight, instruments and equipment specified in paragraph (c) of this section
(2) Two-way......