Magnetic compass

[straightpilot]

Ok, I get the message - pretty well anything more complicated than operating a #2 Philips screwdriver is "specialized maintenance" which only can be performed by a rated AMO. I got that.

Then why can any Tom, Dick or Harry AME install a 406 ELT? That sure sounds like "specialized maintenance" to me - initial installation of avionics, especially avionics which MUST function after an emergency! It's got to be installed right. But that's not what Transport says.

The arbitrary definition of "specialized maintenance" sure smells like a union racket to me. No union card, no work for you.

[avyonx]

Sorry StraightPilot I couldn't resist. I actually just went through a whole bunch of crap with TC the other week and Appendix B and F were a hot topic. I'm still steaming but its not fair I take that out here.

Anyways.....I don't think Tom's dick or Harry can install a 406MHz ELT as it is TSO C126 and the regs state this in schedule II

) Any avionics system installation or modification is avionics specialized maintenance except for:
(amended 2003/06/01; previous version)

(a) installation of ELT systems conforming to CAN-TSO-C91/C91a;
(amended 2009/12/01; previous version)

The schedule doesn't say that C126 is non-specialized. Now this all comes as interpretation and TC. I have only installed them under an AMO that has avionics so it may be possible somewhere somehow.

And again.....not up to me.

Well to keep on keep on topic with compass's I should say something constructive in this thread so here goes.....I hate doing compass swings in the winter so please schedule them for June! I will do it for $249. Sorry to Low ball ya there Twotter.

[straightpilot]

I don't think Tom's dick or Harry can install a 406MHz ELT as it is TSO C126

http://www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/regse ... n/1884.doc

EXEMPTION FROM SECTION 571.04 OF THE CANADIAN AVIATION REGULATIONS

Pursuant to subsection 5.9(2) of the Aeronautics Act, and after taking into account that the exemption is in the public interest and is not likely to affect aviation safety, I hereby exempt Canadian installers of TSO C126 406 MHz ELTs, from complying with the avionics specialized maintenance requirements of Section 571.04 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).
The requirements of Section 571.04 and its referenced Schedule II are detailed in Appendix A to this exemption.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this exemption is to provide relief to specifically identified persons from the avionics specialized maintenance rules, when they install and certify a maintenance release, for the installation of TSO C126 406 MHz ELTs in an aircraft.

APPLICATION
This exemption applies either to holders of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) license with an M1 or M2 rating when the TSO C126 406 MHz ELT is to be installed in a private aircraft, or to a person who has aircraft certification authority (ACA) for the type of aircraft involved, when working within an Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) that does not have a rating for the performance of avionics specialized maintenance. CONDITIONS
This exemption shall be subject to the following conditions:
1. The 406 MHz ELT is designed to TSO C126 standards;
2. When the 406 MHz ELT is to be installed in a private aircraft, the installer holds a valid AME license, with an M1 or M2 rating, as applicable to the type of aircraft to which the 406 MHz ELT is to be installed;
3. When the 406 MHz ELT is to be installed in an aircraft operated pursuant to Part IV or Part VII of the CARs, the installer holds an aircraft certification authority provided by an AMO that is not the holder of a rating for the performance of avionics specialized maintenance;
4. The 406 MHz ELT equipment must not be integrated into any other aircraft system;
5. The installer follows all applicable installation instructions produced pursuant to TSO C126;
6. The installer performs a successful post installation function test, to ensure the 406 MHz ELT is functioning as depicted in its operational instructions.

[c170b53]

I can't remember the last time I swung a compass at work, I know it was a 747-400 but I can't remember the year. I think the only time we swing them now is if they need to be replaced. As for my plane, well you know I'm no different than anyone else so its at annual ever year, (cough-cough ).
There's certainly those who know everything, I'm still struggling as I know the more closely I look at something another world is sure to appear. What I do know is that general aviation is dying and having more regulations for nonsense sake isn't going to help.

[avyonx]

StraightPilot,

Ah yes. I do remember seeing that awhile ago. Like I said, I do them under an AMO so I never look elswhere to see if things are allowed privately under an individuals license. Thanks for the refresher. I also usually do a NAV interface which looks to be Specialized Maintenance according to that Exemption anyways.

initial installation of avionics, especially avionics which MUST function after an emergency! It's got to be installed right.

I look at it like this. If you as a private owner think that an ELT is important for your aircraft and want it installed properly then it is up to you to go to an appropriate AMO or to Tom. Just because TC says anyone with an M1 or M2 can do it....doesn`t mean you need to listen to them.

[straightpilot]

Just because TC says anyone with an M1 or M2 can do it....doesn`t mean you need to listen to them

So you're saying that the regulations with respect to specialized maintenance shouldn't be followed?!

[avyonx]

I look at it like this. If you as a private owner think that an ELT is important for your aircraft and want it installed properly then it is up to you to go to an appropriate AMO or to Tom.

So you're saying that the regulations with respect to specialized maintenance shouldn't be followed?!

Really????? That's what you got from that comment..........

initial installation of avionics, especially avionics which MUST function after an emergency! It's got to be installed right.

Try re-reading or just plain reading what I wrote about if you the owner thinks safety is an issue in regards to an ELT installation that I will quote you saying "Its got to be installed right" than don't listen to TC and have just any one do it. Get it done right at an avionics or maintenance shop that install ELT's regularily. I don't really see anywhere I wrote regs shouldn't be followed in respect to specialized Maintenance in fact the opposite. I think if you want it done right or you consider safety a factor (your original comment) then go to an AMO. Which is apparantly above and beyond the required reg.

There are lots of M1 and M2 guys out there that I"m sure install ELT's regularly and correctly but I quote you again "NOT TOM DICK OR HARRY"

[CID]

There's an interesting angle regarding the waiver for M guys to install ELTs. Many interpret that as authority to install an ELT without approved or specified data as required for major modifications. (Ref 571.06)

Furthermore, it implies that if you realize you need at least specified data and you decide to use AC 43.13 for a small airplane under the authority of 571.06 that you either don't need to consider CAR standard 551.104 or that the "pull test" prescribed by AC 43.13 can be applied against the 45g requirement.

Unfortunately, the M&M PMIs are under the same delusion and accept these mod report forms that state the pull test was done. The AC 43.13 pull test is a reasonable procedure for normal flight and crash loads of up to 9g but not appropriate for loads of 45g. That pretty much disqualifies AC 43.13 as it's not directly applicable. Structural analysis is the appropriate method.

[CAN_Yeager]

Good post Twotter, I would agree that following the instructions you have posted it is very possible to get a gyro compass within one degree and a standby compass within three degrees. All it takes is a good hand held compass two to three hours total time and a lot of patience.

[CAN_Yeager]

As for the ELT topic I would say the pull test is the hardest part of the ELT installation. A two man job for sure, one reading deflection the other one wedged in the tail with the stringers digging into his back as he applies the required pressure on a pressure/tension scale. Structural analysis is good but I have found a few surprises there too when compared to actual results, sending the Sheet metal boys back to the drawing board. Makes me wonder how many people have the calibrated tools and are doing it.