Replacing back-up Attitude Indicator

[Marc_CYBW]

Our Goodrich electric backup AI is slowly failing and now needs to be replaced. The shop has suggested a unit by General Design for $4,000 instead of a direct replacement with a re-built unit for $3,000.

Seems very expensive. Are there solid state options available?

Thanks
Marc

[Gary]

Apparently so. http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/in/ ... ca2600.php

I replaced my failed AU with a Mid Continent unit with integral backup battery. Not cheap but reassuring in a one alternator all electric airplane. http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/inpages/4300.php

[Charles]

I replaced the primary AI in my steam gauge DA40 with a solid state RC Allen RC2600-3 unit which is available with a battery supply. It was half the cost of a mechanical unit and should last longer than the airframe.

[Marc_CYBW]

Hi

Ours is a G1000 plane and it is the electric backup that failed. I am advised that we need to install a certified unit in order to keep the plane IFR legal.

[gsontheimer]

"The RCA2600 is FAA certified and is perfect for replacing your primary AI or adding as a backup in whatever you fly!"

[Antoine]

I would also factor in the weight benefit. Anyone knows how much the original part weighs?

[Scotsman58]

I've Googled the RCA2600 and can't find any information about a battery backup suggested above. I assume that the emergency backup battery already in the DA40 would power this unit, so any internal or dedicated battery capability of its own would provide double redundancy. Anybody have more info on this?

Another nice feature of the RCA unit appears to be that it is easy (and relatively affordable) to add a classic ball for slip/skid indication on the bottom of the unit.

[Charles]

Here is a link to the battery backup unit for the RC2600: http://www.kellymfg.com/esp_battery.html

I suppose it could be powered by the battery in the DA40 so it's probably not be required, but the battery above switches automatically from the electrical bus to the battery in the event of a power failure so it does present an advantage.

[cbrinton]

I wish this solid state option had been available when mine went bad 18 months ago. I paid 2k (if I recall correctly) for a replacement unit.

[rwtucker]

You guys who have replaced the backup AI. How many hours?

Marc, I think you can also get the RC Allen with a Slip/Skid indicator. I'm going solid state when the time comes.