EFIS Backups: Worth the Expense?

The standby EFIS display market tempts the budget with jet cockpit appeal. We look at several models worth considering.

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Every certified glass panel airplane needs backup flight instruments. Aircraft manufacturers and some glass cockpit owners are making the switch from traditional, round-gauge mechanical backups in favor of all-in-one backup EFIS systems.

The way we see it, if the primary flight data fails, you might only need backup attitude data to help you keep the wings level. Still, an all-in-one backup might be the difference between an emergency or comfortably motoring along to thedestination. Thats because a backup EFIS functions as a mini PFD, presenting six-pack data on one screen in a format thats nearly identical to the primary flight display. Not only does this eliminate awkward, partial panel scan, it offers additional gee whiz appeal.

But pricey proposals for installation can hinder upgrades for lesser aircraft. If these things were priced a few grand less, wethink they would fly off shelves in record numbers.

Regulation Matters

Everything you want to know about the installation of electronic flight instrumentation can be found in the FAAs Advisory Circular 23.1311-1C. The guidance in this AC is directed toward aircraft and avionics manufacturers, operators and modifiers of Part 23 category aircraft and covers primary and backup instruments. Youll have to dig deep into the guidance to find information on backup systems, but its there. Section 8.5 says, in summary, that for Part 91 and 135 flights made under IFR conditions, backup attitude information is required. Section 8.7 goes on to say that for electronic displays-which is the familiar PFD found in OEM and retrofit panels-a standby, integrated display of altitude, attitude and airspeed is acceptable, in place of individual backup instruments. Thats backup EFIS.

But like primary displays, backup instrumentation needs to be certified, carrying appropriate TSO for each function. This means experimental and portable EFIS displays and tablet apps wont qualify (although some of those inexpensive gadgets are more than capable of saving the day when a high-priced primary system lets you down).

L-3 Trilogy ESI

Starting at around $15,000, the ESI-1000 Trilogy from L-3 Avionics Systems brings traditional L-3 reliability and durability. Since the Trilogy ESI is certified to Design Assurance Level A and is covered by a liberal AML-STC, its suitable for the panel of a jet, turbo propor piston single, although its high price tag has made the unit an easier sell in higher-end applications. The standalone ESI weighs less than three pounds and is built in a 3-ATI chassis, with a front bezel that measures 4.03 inches by 3.35 inches. The system uses aircraft pitot and static pressure via two ports located on the back, and has an integrated air-data computer and solid-state attitude sensor. Theres a single electrical interface connector for straightforward wiring. The Trilogy works on 28 volts but can play in 14-volt aircraft if used with an external voltage converter.

We like the Trilogys high-end display, which is an auto dimming 3.7-inch diagonal, color LCD with 160 x 120-pixel resolution. Thanks to its speedy processor with a 60 Hz refresh rate, the display is completely flicker-free.

The Trilogy ESI-1000 falls short in being considered a true PFD since it doesnt display navigational data, but it can display heading information. This requires the optional MAG3100 remote magnetometer. This is a three-axis, magnetic fieldsensor that inputs to the display via an RS-422 databus. The sensor is installed inside the fuselage or inside a wing, while adding considerable effort to an installation.

When the magnetometer is used, a heading tape appears at the bottom of the display, which moves left and right following the direction of the aircraft, referencing magnetic north. The ESI-2000 model has a backup lithium-ion battery, bumping the base price to an impressive $15,700, not including the $5500 heading sensor.

Mid Continent SAM

The $10,600 MD302 SAM standby attitude module is the result of Mid Continent Instrument and Avionics’s experience building instruments for both OEM and aftermarket, including transport applications. The digital SAM picks up where the proven mechanical LifeSaver series electric horizon gyro left off. The MD302 has a high-end feel and seems well matched for turboprop and light jet panels, although its aimed at thepiston market, as well-evident by its ability to play in 14-volt electrical systems. At 2.3 inches high and 5.5 inches wide, the four-in-one instrument is compact enough for tight panels, with dual 2-inch displays and a single push-and-turn functionknob for navigating menu screens.

Speaking of turboprops, Elliott Aviation won STC approvalfor the installation of the SAM for backing up Garmin retrofit G1000 suites in King Airs. In these applications, the SAM replaces all of the previously used traditional backup flight instruments. The unit uses an internal lithium-ion backupbattery for powering the unit for over an hour, in case the electrics go out. The battery is constantly recharged when the unit is receiving input voltage.

The SAM uses a bright, high-resolution LCD display which isvisible at wide viewing angles. It also has an installer-confi gurable data orientation called AnyWay, allowing for vertical or horizontal mounting in the instrument panel. The SAM is smart enough to communicate over an ARINC 429 databus-allowing interface with a compatible primary display forsynchronizing baro settings, for example.

The SAM displays attitude, airspeed, altimeter and slip information, plus programmable airspeed range markings. Theres also a user-adjustable lighting threshold and auto-dimming. The SAM has a 2000-hour and two-year warranty.

Aspen Backup

If Aspens Evolution Backup EFIS looks familiar thats because its packaged in the familiar, Evolution hardware, with data and bezel controls in a horizontal configuration. Aspen Avionics offers the Backup in two version-the Basic model and Advanced model. The Basic version follows the lead of Aspens entry-level Pilot PFD, providing all six-pack flight instrumentation, GPS flight plan when connected to a an external GPS, plus display of real-time winds aloft, OAT, TAS, and ground speed. The Advanced backup adds advanced navigational capability, including autopilot interface and electronic HSI for interfacing with analog and digital nav radios. It even has GPSS steering. Equipped with an internal emergency backupbattery, both the Basic and Advanced Evolution Backup displays can power up for a minimum of two hours.

We think the advantage of going with the Evolution Backup over a traditional Aspen display for backup is the ability to mount the unit in a horizontal configuration. The Aspen Basic Backup sells for $6995 and the Advanced Backup for $10,995. This pricing is in line with the Evolution Pilot and Pro PFD systems.

Install Complexity

Perhaps the most complex part of installing a backup EFIS system is the panel work. While these all-in-one units can fit the space occupied by three traditional round gauge instruments, shops still need to deal with metal and finishing work. The exception could be Aspens Backup, which has a rear chassis design that can fit into existing instrument holes, likeits big brother primary Evolution display. However, the Basic Aspen Backup, like the L-3 Trilogy, uses a remote heading sensor, which can snowball a project, especially for composite aircraft. Aspens Advanced Backup unit is essentially thesame as installing an Evolution Pro PFD-requiring a remote heading sensor and in many cases, an analog converter unit for nav and autopilot interface. The Mid Continent SAM and basic Trilogy, on the other hand, are mainly standalone, needing power, ground and pitot and static source inputs. For interfacing with databuses, the Mid Continent SAM will require more intense wiring. Our advice is to install these systems while the panel is opened for other work, especially when retrofitting primary glass.

Uncertified Backup On the Cheap

The $1425 Dynon Avionics D1 Pocket Panel may not come with certification-meaning it wont qualify as a legal backup for certified OEM and retrofi t glass applications-but that likely wont stop buyers from using it to back up both glass and steam gauges.

We were sold on its performance when we tested it in the September 2012 issue of Aviation Consumer. In fact, the D1 EFIS worked so well when we stuck it in our no-electrical system J3 Cub, we wouldnt hesitate in using it as a backup or even as a primary (without breaking any rules, that is). We also understand its limitations. To be clear, unlike the real-deal EFIS backups we tested, the D1 is far from a panel mounted instrument and it wasnt designed as such.

Instead, the 3.5 by 3.2-inch chassis can be mounted in a portable configuration using a provided cradle and RAM suction cup mount. Wanna mount the gadget to a blankinstrument cutout? Have at it, using a pinch mount that still retains full portability. Speaking of portability, the D1 has an internal battery that should last roughly four hours, or you can plug it in to a power receptacle.

So whats the difference between the dirt-cheap pocket EFIS and the high-priced certified backups? Plenty, and it has all to do with accuracy and design theory reliability. Unlike real EFIS systems, the D1 doesnt use pitot or static system input.

Instead, it has a built-in MEMS solid state gyro that works in conjunction with a GPS receiver. Portable GPS units have been equipped with GPS-derived flight instrumentation for years, and the D1 works on similar principle.

For example, its GPS position that calculates groundspeed-not airspeed-and GPS groundtrack, instead of magnetic heading. Altitude data is really GPS altitude andits change is calculated as vertical speed.

GPS reception works fine, even without an external GPS antenna. But for backup situations, we wouldnt care so much for GPS data. Instead, eye-widening primary

Instrument failure in the clouds requires a backup that helps you maintain wings-level and in our testing, Dynons D1 should fill that role, even if it doesnt come withan FAA blessing and 10-grand-plus price tag. Last, theres the growing marketof tablet apps that provide AHARS-driven flight instrumentation, synthetic vision, ADS-B and even engine data. Well cover these backup options in the near issue.

MORE THAN EYE CANDY

While a total glass panel has modern appeal, we talked witha handful of glass cockpit owners and all had at least some concern about losing their primary flight instruments, and having to fly the inconveniently positioned steam gaugebackups. I learned to fly behind a primary flight display and to be honest, shifting my scan to the lower panel to fly the three ancient-looking backup gauges would be ugly, said one CirrusPerspective owner. Another owner, who flies a G1000 Baron, believes the $20,000 Trilogy install in his million-dollar twin was worth every penny, since he uses it for crosschecking the primary instruments. Since the PFD in his previous G1000Cessna failed him in the clouds, hes counting on his glass backup in the event of another primary failure.

A version of this article appeared in the January 2013 issue of Aviation Consumer magazine.

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