I thought I had my plan for a standby attitude indicator all figured out. In fact, I would have ordered it by now, except it didn't look like my current travel schedule is compatible with trying it out before the 30 day return with no questions asked expired. So I decided to wait a month or two before ordering.

I was planning on buying an eGyro-2, from PC Flight Systems. The eGyro-3 has gotten good reviews, another RV-8 builder has one flying in his Mooney and he likes it. The eGyro-2 supposedly has the same screen size, in a slightly smaller overall package. PC Flight Systems' web site isn't very well organized, but there is a slightly out of date brochure with a little picture of the eGyro-3. The fact that they either don't have enough energy to keep the web site up-to-date, or make sure the prices are consistent from one part of the site to the next, does make me wonder whether they will be around for the long haul though.

Anyway, that was the plan. But today I saw a reference to a new HSI from Blue Mountain Avionics. I eventually want an HSI, so I went to their web site. I quickly found that it isn't really an HSI - the EFIS/Lite is a multi-function device, with the HSI as one of its functions. It is also a small EFIS, similar to the Dynon EFIS that I have, and an autopilot control head (if you spend a bunch more money for servos). So, for about twice as much money as for the eGyro-2 ($2,800 vs $1,300), I could have an HSI that is also a standby attitude indicator. TSO'd HSIs run around $7,000, if I recall correctly.

If I needed the standby attitude indicator, I would lose the HSI function, but I can follow a track using the GNS 430 screen, so that is no big deal in an emergency. The big thing I lose is the ability to shoot an ILS, if I need the standby attitude indicator displayed. And I lose the having a full time standby indicator to crosscheck the Dynon against. But, if I every need the standby attitude indicator, it would be in a better spot in the panel, as it would be right below the EFIS, rather than way down at the bottom in front of my belly button.


The avionics scene is changing so fast, I can't build my aircraft fast enough to keep ahead of it. Wow. I'm not sure BMA has shipped any units yet, so I need to sit tight for awhile and think about this. I need to measure my panel to confirm that this thing would fit, and see if I should make any wiring provisions now. Hmm.