The FAA turned a lot of heads with its official policy statement, PS-ACE-23-08, authorizing the installation of electronic attitude instruments for one-and-only primary use. Using rare language that’s sympathetic to owners burdened by the high cost of iron gyro upkeep, the agency offers leniency for shops to sign off the installation as a minor alteration, which also includes yanking out the vacuum system even if it’s required per the aircraft type certificate. According to the policy, no field approvals, no additional STCs, no backup gyro or time-consuming paperwork is required. Progress at last, or so it seemed.
We covered the eligible electronic attitude instruments and the installation guidance in the December 2015 issue of Aviation Consumer, where we recognized the value of Sandia’s SAI-340 and the advanced feature set of L-3’s ESI-500 Genesis, pictured right. Like many buyers, I think it’s logical to consider either one of these instruments as a backup to primary glass. This could include a Garmin G500, Aspen Evolution or Avidyne Entegra.