Microlighters

Hi All,
I have heard very different views on electronic instruments. Some guys like Harlequin, say no, because they don't want to put all their eggs in one basket, others have no problems wih them.
So... what to YOU think? Here's an example: Would you say I should: Have an Aerotrike Cobra, with a MGL Extreme, a MGL electronic compass, a MGL ASX a Icom Panel mount radio, a Transponder and an Optifuel.
OR, Should I go for, An Aerotrike Cobra, with a complete Analog system and a Optifuel?
I don't know!
So... whats you opinion?
Cheers
Ross

Help???

I think your problems will start with your choice of aircraft.

Doesn't really matter. It's a personal choice. Don't think it really matter. The instruments will anyway run of 2 seperate electric generators (battery and generator). I have all electonic dash, exept I have a analog compass.

Regards,

Wargames wrote:I think your problems will start with your choice of aircraft.

You B%$#@!^%!

besides,

what's the rush

By now they have proved themselves and trikes can be flown without instruments if need be, because you have the wind in your face.

I would still have just one steam gauge in a closed cockpit 3-axis and that would be a spare ASI. Electrical failure can and does happen

Morph wrote:besides,

what's the rush

By now they have proved themselves and trikes can be flown without instruments if need be, because you have the wind in your face.

I would still have just one steam gauge in a closed cockpit 3-axis and that would be a spare ASI. Electrical failure can and does happen

No need for steam guages. I have flown for 2 year with only gps. No other instuments. It was the best ever. Since I got my instruments, I started to worry about temps, airspeed, rate of climb, rate of decent. Yes, if my instruments would die, I would probably know there is a problem, and start worrying in any case. The less instruments, the better in a trike. Feel the wind. ASI is compulsory in a fixed wing/ closed cockpit, as you have no other indication. And then yes, get a steam backup.

Trikenut, first learn to fly, then navigate, then communicate.

regards,

Hi Ross,

looks like if your having some luxury problems!?
Aren't you 15 or something like that? Would have loved to have the same problems in you age...

I would go for the electronic stuff, because I like high tech toys. Moving map GPS and a fully electronic engine control look damn cool in the dashboard.
Fail safeness should not be a too big issue in a trike - always keep a conventional compass, maps, a handheld GPS and a radio with you (on longer journeys).

Cheers,

Oliver

I'm with Morph....

At least an Air Speed Indicator!

If ever I went the full electronic panel way, I WOULD put one in .... ever heard of a high speed stall? Okay, shouldn't be flying in a trike in serious wind but for educational value I'll stick with my opinion.

If you were looking for a debate, then there was a thread where George asked what do the guys think about instruments for the BushBaby project. Look it up as most was said there!

Steam instruments for my project. Prefer not to have all my eggs in one basket and could more than likely still get by until I can land safely if I lost one or two. Just looks better as well. I like the classic look rather than the all singing, all dancing gimmickry. The electronic wizardry just seems a bit flashy and somewhat OTT for day VFR use.

Thanks guys...
ANy more info?

Trikenut wrote:Thanks guys...
ANy more info?

Well let me tell you about the birds and the bees.

When 2 people love each other very much.......................................

I have always flown in an aircraft with steam guages so I am used to them and like them, but...

My X-Air came with an Amptronics digital set up and strangely I quite like it

However my preference is still for a steam gauge panel as I can more easily scan to see if the needles are in the green arc

I do battle looking at a ribbon type readout and figures (numbers)

As a matter of interest I am told that DC3 panels were laid out in such a way that when every engine parameter, airspeed and vital information was displayed correctly the needle would be vertical, so the green arc was up at the top of the instrument. So simple and easy

During my PPL flight test a long time ago the examiner covered up the airspeed indicator and I had to fly a circuit as the final part of the test. It was actually easier than I expected so we have to get used to flying by the seat of our pants....
my point being do not provide yourself with too much instumentation to worry about and keep it simple and really easy to read, quickly!!

leftseat wrote:

Trikenut wrote:Thanks guys...
ANy more info?

Well let me tell you about the birds and the bees.

When 2 people love each other very much.......................................

Leftseat,
Let ME tell you about the pilot who was killed when a fork was shoved into his neck! They found JOHN YOUNG to be resposible, but actually it was a 13 year old from Cape town...
Thanks guys, would appreicate more info... (NOT ABOUT THE BIRDS AND THE BEES THOUGH!! My tutor has gone over that with me before! )

Thanks guys, would appreicate more info... (NOT ABOUT THE BIRDS AND THE BEES THOUGH!! My tutor has gone over that with me before! )

I make the assumtion your tutor is not that hot?

Dre'man55 wrote:

Thanks guys, would appreicate more info... (NOT ABOUT THE BIRDS AND THE BEES THOUGH!! My tutor has gone over that with me before! )

I make the assumtion your tutor is not that hot?