Airspeed Indicator

[Mark Anderson]

I am thinking of having my airspeed indicator rebuilt or buying one already rebuilt. Mine is still working however the face is very faded. I am sure it is original. Pat, if you read this, I saw in the altimeter thread you had Air Parts of Lock Haven help you with yours. Did they rebuild yours or did you buy one that Jim had already over hauled. I am a little concerned about the down time involved with pulling mine out and waiting for the rebuild. He told me 15 days. Any recommendations on which way to go?

Thanks

Mark

[N3322G]

Mark,

I paid the $75 AOG fee and 2-day shipping both ways. From removal to back in the shop was 8 calendar days which fits in the two weeks I allow for annual inspection, repairs and improvements. We had more than 1 leak so it took a half day longer than expected - if there had been more, it could have gone 1-2 extra days. I did inspect and repair - which is different than overhaul and make the face vivid again. Total was $325 which include one of the shipping charges and the AOG charge. Our gauge looks exactly the same except cleaner, very clean attach hardware.

FYI. I wondered how it passed 2010 static check. Apparently the system static check is less stringent than a gauge check - at least that's what I was told by the avionics shop that said a new gauge was the only option - and then we called Air Parts of Lock Haven. We sent it for repair because we were doing 15 mph in the hangar although the stall warning appeared to beep at landing as I expect it to - I have to admit, I'm not looking at the gauge at touchdown so I can't say what the airspeed indicated. I do 'feel' as though the air speed at 90 mph over the fence was correct.

Hope this helps - if you decide to do business with George and Jim, please tell them I said HI.

Back story. They actually rescued the twin from a bad shop in 2005 that took the required CHT probes out without my knowledge or approval so I've met them in person. George has a slightly gruff exterior but delivers everything he promises and Jim just does excellent work.

[Mark Anderson]

Pat,

Thanks that is good to know. I am taking my plane in for the annual the first of December. With the amount of work I already have scheduled to complete during the inspection, 2 weeks would not be a problem. Yeah, I wonder sometimes about the accuracy of the these airspeed indicators. I always go to the page on my 530 that gives you TAS, by plugging in all the numbers. Of coarse I am putting in IAS for CAS. It usually seems close to what it should be by looking at the winds aloft on the XM and comparing to ground speed. It is good to know that AP of Lock Haven do good work. I have not talked to George yet, but I could tell by talking to Jim he knew what he was doing. I will definitely mention your name! I can't wait to get a new shiny instrument!

Thanks for all the info!

Mark