An excellent job of
integrating a backup power source with an agile electric attitude
indicator has made Mid-Continent's "Lifesaver Gyro" an instant hit
at this year's AEA 2004 Convention and Tradeshow.
Currently the only attitude indicator to offer a self-contained
battery backup, the MCI 4300 AI provides one hour of emergency
attitude reference -- no matter what happens to the aircraft's main
power sources... including the airframe battery(s).
"No other attitude
indicator offers this kind of security, convenience and
cost-benefit," said MCI President Todd Winter. "Having a
self-contained power source means the Lifesaver can operate on its
own even if every other system in the aircraft or helicopter
fails."
ANN got a private briefing from MCI Boss Todd Winter who pointed
out that the 4300 offers incredible piece of mind to pilots who do
a lot of flying in IMC and simply want more redundancy than most
airframes already provide--especially in an age where a number of
aircraft are being built "all-electric." GA manufacturers are
taking notice with recent adoptions of the 4300 by industry
heavyweights like Mooney and Piper, MCI is winning fast converts.
The battery is a small add-on module that attaches to the back of
the main AI chassis (see last photo below) and will need replacing
every three years... a task made quite a bit easier by the means by
which the battery unit was adapted externally to the main chassis,
eliminating the need to tear the whole unit down for a battery
change-over. Winter also emphasized the rugged nature of this
unit... with a lengthy lifespan and the ability to weather even the
most demanding aerobatic and helo operations... tasks that
normally eat gyros, with relish.
The Lifesaver Gyro adds cost savings to its obvious safety
benefits. It outlasts the nearest competition with a lifespan
that's more than three times as long: 7,500 hours. It costs about
two-thirds the price without the high installation and maintenance
expense. Retrofit of aircraft is minimal with installation as
simple as hooking up one standard connector.
"This new, easy-to-install option provides additional
security-and peace of mind-and will further enhance the benefits
that Mid-Continent Instruments brings to individual operators as
well as to our airframe clients," said Winter.
World-renowned aerobatic champion Ian Groom (and a true
aerobatic wildman) has been testing the Lifesaver in his new Extra
300 for well over a year. Groom's extremely technical aerobatics
include record-breaking techniques, sometimes working under 10 Gs
of pressure. He holds the world record for completing 57 snap rolls
in 26 seconds and is known for such pulse-quickening moves as
departure and recovery from controlled flight.
"I take calculated risks, but I am not a reckless person," said
Groom. "I thrill crowds and, yes, I may stop a few hearts with my
maneuvers, but I make sure my aircraft doesn't give me any
surprises. Mid-Continent's new attitude indicator is a perfect case
in point. It makes my aircraft safer - so I can go out and
rip up the sky."
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