Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 81

incapable of much more than flying low and slow.
Rather than chase the bells and whistles available
in top-of-the-line avionics, they just want a working
comm radio, perhaps with a transponder or VFRonly GPS. The platforms for these simpler avionics
can range from vintage taildraggers and older piston
singles to spanking-new light-sport aircraft and to
experimental, amateur-built airplanes. While much
of the industry’s new-product sizzle focuses on highend devices, some owners just want the basics: a
minimal panel.
Installing Portability

Modern But Minimal

When considering how an avionics shop should
advise an aircraft owner on avionics equipment for a
visual flight rules-only aircraft, it might be tempting
to focus only on products available from manufacturers that an avionics shop has dealership agreements
with and requiring installation work. After all, setting
a business apart from competitors unable to offer the
same products while tailoring an installation to the
owner’s wishes are ways an avionics shop makes its
money and name. And some products – transponders, for example, or emergency locator transmitters
– require some level of installation. But for many reasons, both the avionics shop and the customer might
be happiest with portable, noncertified equipment.
Today, the words portable device conjure up images of Apple’s iPad running aviation-specific applications. And tablet computers are popular enough
that one special light-sport aircraft – the Savage
iCub manufactured by Zlin Aviation and TL-Ultralight,
and distributed in North America by SportairUSA – is
marketed with an iPad cradle mounted front and center in the instrument panel. Its function can change
with the applications used.
But there’s a wide variety of portable products
from companies like Garmin and Icom designed primarily for aviation use and meeting minimal communication and navigation needs. Avionics shops can
find themselves being asked to install power-supply
and/or external antenna connections to support
them, along with cradles and mounts. Even the best
handheld comm on the market can be hampered by
an inadequate antenna, interference from the aircraft
structure or both. Installing an external antenna often
resolves these issues.
Meanwhile, most handheld comm radios on the
market incorporate some provision to operate on
ship’s power, if available. This begs the question of
how and whether or not to install avionics aboard
aircraft like antique airplanes and gliders lacking
electrical systems.

In the current market, the smartest way an aircraft
owner could add avionics to an aircraft lacking an
electrical system is to buy an aircraft with an electrical
system. But no one ever said aircraft owners always act
rationally, and a glider is still a glider. So, configuring a
minimal panel also can include making some provision
for battery mounting and associated power cabling,
in addition to other tasks. In some circumstances, an
STC’d power source can be installed, like the BPE-14
Turbo Alternator available from Basic Aircraft Products
for early Aeroncas, the Taylorcraft BC 12-D and even
the venerable Piper J-3 Cub, among other types.
The antenna side of the equation likely is easiest
to accommodate. As we’ve touched on, mounting an
external comm antenna maximizes a relatively lowpowered handheld radio’s utility and capability. And if a
transponder is required – as can be the case with many
high-performance sailplanes – another antenna will be
mounted. For many aircraft where minimal panels are
desired, skill with installing antennas on fabric-covered
or composite airframes will come in handy.
Choosing the correct product is another area where
an avionics shop’s advice to an aircraft owner can be
invaluable, especially when going with one or more
batteries as the only power supply. Sandia Aerospace
is a good place to start when looking for a suitable transponder; the company’s TSO’d STX 165 transponder
line has proven popular with glider operators, thanks
to its low power consumption. It’s designed with a ½
3ATI form factor, however, which may or may not be
suitable for the candidate aircraft’s panel. If not, Becker
Avionics’ BXP line of transponders has proven itself in
Europe and other regions where very light – lighter than
LSA – aircraft are popular. It can be mounted in a standard 2 ¼ -inch opening.
In addition, Trig Avionics offers the TT21 and TT22
Mode S Transponder. According to the company, the
TT22 system is Trig’s smallest, lightest, Mode S general aviation transponder. Located in the U.K., Trig
claimed that the front panel controller is smaller than
a standard instrument, and the remote transponder is
not much bigger than a pack of cards. While able to fit
into small aircraft, it is fully certified and compliant with
all the transponder requirements. Weighing less than
500 grams, the TT22 can be mounted in a standard 2 ¼
-inch instrument hole. A Class 1 transponder, it also can
be compliant with the FAA’s final rule on ADS-B Out for
2020 with a software upgrade and a connection to an
appropriate GPS. The TT22 is TSO approved for fitting
to European and FAA registered aircraft.

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Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014

From the Publisher
Interested in AEA Membership?
AEA Staff/Board of Directors
New Avionics Products for 2013
What's Up With Backup Instruments?
Going Glass
Before & After
Aircraft as Antenna Farm
Cockpit Innovations
Understanding Autopilot Upgrades
ADS-B Circa 2013
Portable Powerhouses, GPS and VHF
Minimal Panels
NextGen Status Report
Repair Stations
Manufacturers/Distributors
Affiliates/Index
AEA Member Company Index
Advertiser Index
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - Intro
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - Cover1
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - Cover2
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 1
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 2
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 3
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - Interested in AEA Membership?
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 5
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - AEA Staff/Board of Directors
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 7
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - New Avionics Products for 2013
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 9
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 10
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 11
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 12
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 13
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 14
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 15
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 16
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 17
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 18
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 19
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 20
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 21
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 22
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 23
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 24
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 25
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 26
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 27
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 28
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 29
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - What's Up With Backup Instruments?
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 31
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 32
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 33
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - Going Glass
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 35
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 36
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 37
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 38
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 39
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 40
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 41
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - Before & After
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 43
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - Aircraft as Antenna Farm
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 45
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 46
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 47
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 48
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 49
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - Cockpit Innovations
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 51
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 52
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 53
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 54
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 55
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - Understanding Autopilot Upgrades
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 57
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 58
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 59
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - ADS-B Circa 2013
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 61
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 62
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 63
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 64
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 65
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - Portable Powerhouses, GPS and VHF
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 67
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 68
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 69
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 70
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 71
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 72
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 73
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 74
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 75
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 76
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 77
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 78
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 79
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - Minimal Panels
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 81
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 82
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 83
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - NextGen Status Report
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 85
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 86
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 87
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 88
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - Repair Stations
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 90
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 91
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 92
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 93
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 94
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 95
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 96
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 97
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 98
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Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 100
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 101
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Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 103
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Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 106
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 107
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Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 109
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 110
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 111
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 112
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 113
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 114
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Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 116
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 117
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Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 119
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 120
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 121
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 122
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 123
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 124
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 125
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Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 127
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 128
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 129
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 130
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 131
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 132
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - Manufacturers/Distributors
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 134
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 135
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 136
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 137
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 138
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 139
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 140
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 141
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 142
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 143
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 144
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - Affiliates/Index
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 146
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 147
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 148
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 149
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 150
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - AEA Member Company Index
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 152
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 153
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 154
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 155
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 156
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 157
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 158
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - 159
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - Advertiser Index
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - Cover3
Pilot's Guide to Avionics 2013-2014 - Cover4
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