Register
Avionics

Panel Planner 101: Mechanical Instruments

Of course you can keep flying just fine with iron gyros and analog engine gauges. But for some, repair costs should rule the decision to ditch them forever.

Larry Anglisano
Verified

Edited By:

Omar Filipovic

The mechanical instruments in this Cessna P210 are perfectly capable of charging through the weather. But spending thousands for overhauling the Century HSI and attitude gyro is questionable given their age, service life and more capable digital replacements.

This month’s panel for planning  circles back on the dilemma many owners face when they aren’t ready to spend big on a glass upgrade. A lot of times it isn’t even really about the money, and more about utility.

That P210 you’ve been flying for years—in all kinds of weather—still has a panel full of mechanical instruments. Yeah, you’ve gotten a taste of modern glass and gee-whiz automation while riding in friends’ airplanes, but the way you see it, your bulletproof analog panel works just fine. Until it doesn’t.

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.