Compass/compass mounting

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 08:53

Looking at one of the previous threads regarding moving the compass to a different spot, has anyone else tried this? I only ask because I have a very old Airpath compass in mine that adjusts and locks with some type of "whiz wheels". Darn hard to set and is not really accurate anyway. In fact, I use my GPS compass as my primary. I suppose in a pinch the old one would work well enough to get me home......low, slow and out the window. I've kind of looked around for different spots to mount the compass, but haven't really came up with a good choice yet.

Also, and I probably know the answer for this or at least should, is it required that aircraft of our 'vintage and simplicity' use only TSO parts?
I'm guessing, most likely 'yes', but thought I read in a vintage magazine that it was possible to use non-TSO parts. Of course, there aren't many on a non-radio, non-electric anyway.

Thanks,
Mike

Post by **joea** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 09:49

Mike,

Seem to remember a thread on the fAA email group about this. Believe that something was said that since the TSO did not exist at the time that the planes were certified that we might have some latitude in this area.

Would like to see some others chime in here as this is a good question.

JoeA

bernie · Post by **bernie** » Wed Sep 14, 2005 17:23

i recall the king kx-170b series navcoms were identical to the kx-175b navcoms but because the 175b's were tso'd they could be used in europe/overseas. they evidently had tighter channel tolerances that europe required. both radio's are still in use in the us but the 175b costs more, you are paying for the "tso". all part 135/121 carriers use tso equipment( they can afford it) but i don't think part 91 has this requirement. far part 91.205 specifies the instruments required for day vfr and says nothing about"tso" requirements except for elts.

Paul Agaliotis · Post by **Paul Agaliotis** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 00:23

The TSO (Technical Standard Order) is a minimum standard set by the FAA. Items built to a TSO are elegible, not approved for installation on certificated aircraft. Paul

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 08:42

Paul,
While I'm not doubting you, can you point me to the exact FAR that specifies TSO parts must be used for VFR certified aircraft. I have a copy of the FAR's and I can't find it. Unless it happens to come under the TC (type certificate) some way. Mostly I'm just courious

(or is it confused)?
Thanks,
Mike

Paul Agaliotis · Post by **Paul Agaliotis** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 19:15

Mike,
I have not found a FAR that requires a installed part to be TSO,d. The TSO only ensures that the item meets the minimum requirement of the FAA. Paul

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 20:00

Thanks Paul,
Guess that answers my question.
Mike

Paul Agaliotis · Post by **Paul Agaliotis** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 20:11

I think the confusing part is all of these acronyms. TSO is used for the certification process not for installation approval. Paul

Post by **joea** » Thu Sep 15, 2005 20:16

Got clarification from an expert on the fAA email list but until I get his permission to copy it here will not do so.

He said that there is no requirement to have anything with a TSO except an item that is required by an FAR such as avionics or ELT.

If I get approval to copy it over here will do otherwise this is about all I feel comfortable doing.

Joe A