Let me just interject something here before you spend any money and true to form it'll probably start a pissing match with those folks who just won't beleive me. So, don't shoot the messenger, please, go out and do your own research.
Prior to plunking down any loot for an altimeter, ask the person or shop who does the transponder check if they will certify the check with a non-TSO'd transponder. If they are comfortable with it, then by all means save the money. This comes after a conversation I had with the fellow that does the IFR check on my airplane. He's an old friend and trusted collegue who does this work on the side to help out and make a few busks. Seems that he has assigned to his repair station a real FAA prick in the FTW FSDO. Not sure if the hack can spell airplane, no less recognize one when it lands in the Hudson. This "gentleman" emphatically states that a transponder can not be certified for the encoding check if the altimeter does not meet the TSO standards, meaning it must be TSO'd, not just be good enough. This includes antiques (like ours) and even experimentals. There are all arguments against what he says, so please don't email me telling me what should be brought up to the inspector. My guy has hired an attorney to handle it after wrangling for about 6 months. When was it that the FAA started hiring inspectors who weren't mechanics but were back yard constitutionalists? Did you know that instruments were not TSO'd when the Ercoupe was built? So before trying to beat the system, do a little homework and see who's with you and who's against you. If this same virus has spread to other areas you need to know because the $200 you save today will cost you $400 later. Remember the FAA's Motto: We're Not Happy Until You're Not Happy!" Al ----- Original Message ----- From: Harry L. Francis To: Linda Abrams Cc: [email protected] Sent: Monday, March 09, 2009 9:55 PM Subject: Re: [ercoupe-tech] altimeters HI Linda, Here is some info from the FAA on TSO requirements..(.thus expensive instruments). As you can see, they are not required in the ercoupe. So inexpensive NEW altimeters can be installed, and are avalable from all of the parts folks.. like Wag Aero...their cataloge lists a 0 - 20,000 ft altimeter # 064-000 at $202.75....I qm sure others also have similar non-tso altimeters at low prices.... Best of luck Harry Francis letter folows: From: Joe Norris To: Matt at LA Sport Aviation Sent: Monday, May 05, 2008 1:56 PM Subject: RE: TSO'd question Hello Matt, You will find no requirement in any regulation that requires any piece of equipment to be built under a TSO authorization (commonly referred to as "TSOed"). However, some regulations require that a piece of equipment "meet the requirements" of a TSO. Examples would be transponders and IFR GPS units. But for the most part there is no requirement that any particular piece of equipment be "TSOed". Of course the installation of the equipment might need to be approved, such as modifying an instrument panel when the panel is a structural member of the fuselage, or when changes to the primary structure must be made to accommodate a particular piece of avionics. But the unit being installed does not necessarily have to be "TSOed". (This has nothing to do with whether the aircraft manufacturer is still in business or not.) You do have to make sure that the certification of the aircraft doesn't specifically prohibit or require certain equipment to be installed, but in the case of an Ercoupe that wouldn't be an issue (but can be an issue with later FAR Part 23 certificated aircraft). Joe Norris EAA 113615 Lifetime Senior Aviation Specialist EAA Aviation Services Phone: 888.322.4636 Extension 6806 Fax: 920.426.6560 www.eaa.org From: Matt at LA Sport Aviation [mailto:m...@lasportaviatio n.com] Sent: Monday, May 05, 2008 3:49 PM To: Joe Norris Subject: TSO'd question Hi Joe, I know you are the genius to contact when it comes to regulations. We have an old 1940's Ercoupe here. Question is, does this aircraft require TSO'd equipment? Can we install equipment into the panel that is not certified and not TSO'd? I would have assumed that would be the case, but some people here seem to think that because the Ercoupe is so old and not listed on any TSOs and because the manufacturer no longer exists, that any equipment can be installed (even uncertified) . Thanks as always for your insight. Best M --- On Mon, 3/9/09, Linda Abrams <[email protected]> wrote: From: Linda Abrams <[email protected]> Subject: [ercoupe-tech] altimeters To: [email protected] Date: Monday, March 9, 2009, 3:05 AM I would like to double-check with the group several things an avionics shop recently told me: of the only 2 altimeters that are not-extremely- expensive and suitable for our Ercoupes (Kollsman & United Instruments) , the Kollsman one is the sturdier and worth re- building, and the United Instruments one is very sensitive to vibration and not recommended for older planes that vibrate. The installed price for a rebuilt Kollsman was $350-390 (depending upon whether one left a Kollsman for rebuilding or took an already re- built one on the spot). I think he said the next thing up (a brand new altimeter) would be *way* up, something like $1500. Is this correct? Thanks - Linda N3437H (Sky Sprite) 1946 415-C L.A.
