Magnetic Compass

[Jimmy E. Wyatt]

Anyone know what compass the 1946 Aeronca Champs were equipped with? Thanks, Jim

[Captgrumps]

The '46 Champ instrumnet shows a surplus military B-16 compass, fit same size hole as the airspeed, tach and altimiter.

Doug

[Jimmy E. Wyatt]

Thanks, Doug. Got back out to the airport today and pulled the compass. Turns out its an C-2300 DL4. I suspect its made by Airpath. Its a lighted model but the wires were clipped. As you mentioned, the compass is mounted to an intermediate round plate that is the same size as the other instrument's mounting plates. Appreciate the response. Regards, Jim

[joea]

Jim,

The B-16 is a large compass and many of the planes have been now fitted with the smaller version. My Chief has the smaller version and I am about to put a B-16 in it so I can see it better!

Not getting older, just cannot read the numbers on the damm thing!

[Nathan K. Hammond]

Sure Joe, that's what they all say.

nkh

[drjeff]

My B-16 needs a rebuild kit. I have looked at spruce and called myself looking at other places and cannot seem to find one. Any clues as to the location of such kits?

[Mnflyer]

I've never seen an overhaul/repair kit for the B-16 compass. Another thing to consider you can not legally overhaul your compass yourself on a certified normal cat aircraft, experimental yes.

[joea]

Same here. Have never found an overhaul kit for the larger compass, while you can find kits for the 2 1/4 version everywhere. Assume that the gauge people have one but that would be my next step.

MnFlyer is correct on the overhaul or even adding fluid to the compass's but "I have heard of it being done often in the field" so to say...

[drjeff]

I have been calling around today to find someone to rebuild my compass with no luck. Does anyone know where I might try?

I did get someone at Centry in KS but they were kinda high. (so I thought)

Any other suggestions?

[joea]

Doc,

Try Keystone instruments.

Keystone Instruments

Address: 320 Proctor Street, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (PA), 17745, US
Tel: +570 748 7083
Fax: +570 748 4439
Web: www.keystoneinstruments.com

Would think that any good instrument shop could overhaul a compass.

[Nathan K. Hammond]

Jeff,

Might try these guys...

Lowe Aviation
Henry Lowe
Macon, GA 31208
478-788-3491

nkh

[Captgrumps]

Lowe will overhaul a regular compass, but not a B-16. They did years ago but no more--can't get the parts. They overhauled one for me about 20 years ago. Had them certify a current compass for me last year and Henry and I talked about it. Been knowing Henry since he was the ass't line boy to his brothers.

Doug

[Mikek]

Doc,

Try Keystone instruments.

Keystone Instruments

Address: 320 Proctor Street, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania (PA), 17745, US
Tel: +570 748 7083
Fax: +570 748 4439
Web: www.keystoneinstruments.com

Would think that any good instrument shop could overhaul a compass.

Yes Keystone lists them on their website.

Mikek

[drjeff]

I recieved my B-16 from Keystone today. It really looks nice. Almost too nice to put back into my plane! Over all I am very well pleased. Thought I'd pass this along.

[joea]

If you do not mind me asking, what was the cost on overhauling the B-16? I have two of them, and one really needs it.