I came across an "elderly" Edo-Aire DG stored on a shelf. The spring which returns the slew knob was not working. Since it was essentially a discarded gyro, I removed the tape seals (the ones that threaten your life if removed) and discovered the mechanism very simple and, yes, the small spring for the slew knob was busted at one end.
I re-bent the hook end of the spring, installed it and taped/resealed the gyro. Everything "seems" fine. I'd like to install it into my vacuum system and see how it works.
A couple of questions:
1. Is this a "legal repair" if installed in a VFR only experimental aircraft and entered in the aircraft logbook, or are aircraft instruments necessarily repaired by FAA approved repair stations?
No instrument shop I talked to would even entertain the idea of selling me the spring. All insisted that the instrument was far too complicated and that a full overhaul was required. One shop opined that if all they did was replace the spring, they'd only charge me $110, but they were pretty sure I needed a complete overhaul.
2. Am I "legal" to manufacture my own replacement spring?
Thanks.
I re-bent the hook end of the spring, installed it and taped/resealed the gyro. Everything "seems" fine. I'd like to install it into my vacuum system and see how it works.
A couple of questions:
1. Is this a "legal repair" if installed in a VFR only experimental aircraft and entered in the aircraft logbook, or are aircraft instruments necessarily repaired by FAA approved repair stations?
No instrument shop I talked to would even entertain the idea of selling me the spring. All insisted that the instrument was far too complicated and that a full overhaul was required. One shop opined that if all they did was replace the spring, they'd only charge me $110, but they were pretty sure I needed a complete overhaul.
2. Am I "legal" to manufacture my own replacement spring?
Thanks.