After giving it another thought, I came to the conclusion that a TSO or any
Standard only makes sense when used by many in a system.
So I would assume that for flying IFR TSO is the minimal common standard that
assures the aircraft in the system act in similar fashion.
We all fly VFR , many of us Sport pilot. We are isolated single aircraft in
regard to the system. It does not matter what our altitude is compared to
others, because there is no comparison.
Simple as that.
The standard is there for a purpose. The purpose is to assure a common ground
for aircraft acting together in a system.
And that's why we are all using TSO'd transponders. These are part of the
system.
After discussing aircraft instruments with many shops, one thing was clear. TSO
does NOT mean quality.
It is being marketed that way. TSO merely means a minimal standard is being
adhered to. It does not mean that non-TSO'd equipment would not fit the
standard - it might even be better - they are just not build under the TSO.
You can have a lousy airspeed meter that is TSO'd and costs twice the high
quality airspeed meter that you can buy.
The problem here is that one can not find the difference.
And for the shops it is clear to use the TSO instruments, because they have to
for IFR anyway and it is a safe bet for any VFR plane.
Still, this fact should not stop us shopping around for a solution that fits
our special needs. And the options do included non-TSO'd instruments and
avionics in my eyes.
Hartmut
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