Art, while technically correct, the use of non TSO's equipment for IFR use is very restricted. Now, I am not referring to airspeed, altimeter and so on. This equipment is definitely non TSO'd proper.
Ref. FAR 91.205 Required. Ref. FAR 61.57 (c) Required. Ref. FAR 61.3 (e) The first three show IFR qualifications, required equipent and currency requirements. AC 20-138 points towards your answer. (FAA Advisory Circular 20-138) I would also encourgage anyone interested to go to the following website: http://home.hiwaay.net/~sbuc/tvrvbg/_borders/IFR%20equipment.pdf Now the nuts and bolts.(FAA Advisory Circular 20-138) The "box" used for primary navigation in the IFR environment must meet the requirements of TSO'd equipment. While technically not being TSO'd does not exclude you from using the equipment. However, it must meet the requirements of TSO certification. This is not just satisfying the judgement of the pilot but the actual requirements of TSO certification. This would probably only come into play if ramp checked, violated or involved in some type of incident. The simple VOR requirement check at a compass check painted on a ramp would not satisfy the TSO requirement for enroute navigation. Only after the unit had been "self certified" could a required NAV check performed this way be appropiate for use in the system. As for using a NAV for ILS operations, you must certify a one dot deviation equates to the allowable deviation vertically at the outer marker, middle marker and inner marker. For some reason the distance of 10 feet floats around in my coffee induced thinking this early. While doable, I seriously doubt an individual flyer would be able to accomplish the requirements. A GPS must automatically transition sinsitivity between enroute, terminal and approach. In addition, it must possess the ability to self check it's signal reception and automatically identify the pilot of potential signal discrepancies. Once again, this does not apply to instruments not specifically used with the appropriate "ground facilities". So is TSO'd equipment required for IFR operation..........No. Is it practical to be able to self certify non TSO'd equipment? That's your call, but I don't have the ability nor do I know anyone with the ability to perform all the checks required to satisfy the requirements. >>If the box was capable of meeting the requirements of the TSO, the manufacturer would sell it as TSO'd so he had access to the type certificated aircraft market. And I have difficulty believing a hobbyist will cobble together a homebuilt GPS that meets all the TSO. << Dana Overall 1999 & 2000 National KR Gathering host Richmond, KY RV-7 slider, Imron black, "Black Magic" Finish kit Buying Instruments. Hangar flying my Dynon. http://rvflying.tripod.com do not archive _________________________________________________________________ Learn how to choose, serve, and enjoy wine at Wine @ MSN. http://wine.msn.com/
