MCI 2 Inch Gauges Offer Reliability and Redundancy In SMALL TSO'd Package

In a day and age when everything seems to have gone glass-panel, it behooves one to remember not to put all their faith in one set of instrumentation.

Smart pilots always have a backup... and indeed, the FAA mandates much the same thing. So.. when Mid-Continent Instruments announced the TSO and delivery of the MD15 two-inch altimeter and the MD25 two-inch airspeed indicators, we decided it was time to check them out.

The MD15 is a two-inch, three-pointer altimeter offered in 20,000-ft. and 35,000-ft. models. Options include a barometric scale in inches of mercury or millibars and a left- or right-hand baro set knob. The instrument is FAA TSO-C10b certified.

The MD25 two-inch airspeed indicator is offered in multiple ranges: 160, 200, 260, 300, 350 and 400 knots. Range markings can be added to meet specific aircraft requirements. The instrument is FAA TSO-C2d certified for fixed-wing or rotorcraft operation.

Both instruments have anti-reflective glass, which enhances visibility and reduces pilot fatigue. Units have a field-replaceable light-emitting diode (LED) or incandescent light tray available in 5, 14 and 28 VDC. The MD25 and MD15 are typically rear-mounted and can be installed individually or as part of a three-unit standby package - with the 4200 attitude indicator.

Tom Genovese, Mid-Continent Instruments' director of sales, said, "There is a growing demand for smaller standby instruments in glass panel flight decks these days. The Mid-Continent standby package provides the time-proven information that pilots require without taking much panel space."

FMI: www.mcico.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews