psm(at)att.net
Guest
|
 Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 6:23 pm Post subject: Instruments for VFR flight. |
 |
|
I have been following all the posts about backup instruments. Since
I did not see any comments about VFR vs. IFR instrument requirements
I thought I would comment on just that.
I believe that VFR, for the most part, doesn't call for any
instruments at all. Any pilot who can't fly without a working
airspeed indicator should make an urgent appointment with an
instructor to learn this life saving skill. A whiskey compass (which
doesn't require much backup unless someone gets really thirsty) and
an altimeter to keep from busting restricted airspace is plenty for
most VFR flights. I've never heard of an altimeter failing, but I
suppose this is possible. On the other hand, I have experienced an
ASI failure and I know this is relatively common. All you need to do
is plug the pitot tube.
Virtually everyone has a GPS these days, and all the major ones
designed for aviation include a backup instrument panel. This gives
a good altitude and direction reference and an excellent means of navigation.
IFR flight is a whole different kettle of fish. Every plane I have
flown that is set up for IFR includes a mix of vacuum and electric
gyro instruments so loss of either power source doesn't kill all the
gyros. You must have at least one gyro to stay alive in IFR. It
doesn't really matter which one. Those pilots who are IFR qualified
already know all about instrument failures and backup needs, so I
don't feel a need to discuss that here.
I have discovered that a modern experimental EFIS provides many of
the instruments required by the FAA for airworthiness
certification. It does this at a lower cost than it can be done with
steam gauges. That justifies purchase of one of these devices. If
it fails, then you need to get it fixed eventually. You should not
need a backup instrument system to help you get your plane to the repair point.
For VFR pilots, my advice is to save your money targeted for backup
instruments and use it to get the flight instruction needed to fly
with no instruments at all. Once you learn how to do this it will
stay with you forever.
Paul
XL getting close
| | - The Matronics Zenith-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Zenith-List |
|
|
|
Get Email Distribution Too!
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
