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Ditch The Pump Once and For All – Maybe

When a high-priced avionics retrofit produces a panel thats completely electrically driven, the natural question is: why retain the vacuum system at all? While pneumatic de-ice boots will still require a pump, simpler aircraft with all-electric flight instrumentation (including electric backup instruments) simply don't need a vacuum system. But, is it legal to remove the pump and the plumbing that tags along? The answer should be simple, but it isn't.

Larry Anglisano
Verified

When a high-priced avionics retrofit produces a panel that’s completely electrically driven, the natural question is: why retain the vacuum system at all?

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.