Now, is there a ruling from the FAA that defines only TSO instruments in certified aircraft? No. We had that discussion already. The exceptions are transponders. These are all TSO. TSO'd parts are only required when defined by the manufacturer. If you add another instrument, let's say a radar, you will have to get approval for that also, TSO'd or not. Our Ercoupes were certified before TSO existed, so you can use whatever instrument, as long as it is an aircraft instrument.
Simple as that. It is a common misunderstanding of what TSO means and what it was made for that leads to this misperception. It is a common myth that TSO means better quality. It does not. It means adherence to a standard. That s all. Hartmut To: [email protected] From: [email protected] Date: Wed, 13 Jan 2010 09:42:25 -0500 Subject: [ercoupe-tech] Re; Instaling NON TSO'd instruments or avionics FACT: Are TSO Instruments required in certificated aircraft? Altimeter, airspeed, avionics, anything...... . The problem is, if they're not TSO'd, on what basis are you installing them? To be installed as an aircraft part, whatever you are installing must be a standard part (not applicable to instruments - we're talking hardware, wire, etc.), a TSO'd part, a TC'd/STC'd part, a PMA'd part, or a part manufactured by the owner-operator. Otherwise it's not an aircraft part, and will require a field approval. But what if it's not? What if the manufacturer has no authorization from the FAA of any kind? Not going to happen. Can't install it. Not unless you get an STC or field approval. That's it in a NUT SHELL _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live: Friends get your Flickr, Yelp, and Digg updates when they e-mail you. http://www.microsoft.com/middleeast/windows/windowslive/see-it-in-action/social-network-basics.aspx?ocid=PID23461::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-xm:SI_SB_3:092010
