Sun, Oct 27, 2002
By ANN Correspondent Pete Combs
CO Guardian Receives FAA Approval
You're flying along, minding your own business,
when you start to feel a little light-headed. Your head begins to
pound . You find yourself wondering if you're flying too high,
because you notice you're having trouble breathing. Got the flu?
Maybe. But maybe the problem is carbon monoxide poisoning.
A recent study by the University of Illinois Aviation Research
Lab indicates that less than ten percent of general aviation
deaths are attributable to carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon
monoxide doesn't necessarily kill right away. While 25-40% of those
exposed to carbon monoxide gas die almost immediately, another
15-40% suffer neuropsychological effects that can sometimes last
years. But, as the general aviation fleet grows older, the chances
that carbon monoxide might permeate the cockpit become that much
greater. Parts can wear out. Manifolds can fail.
So says a company called CO Guardian. The Tucson,
AZ, operation makes a range of carbon monoxide detectors, including
a panel-mounted carbon device certified by the FAA earlier this
month for installation on part 23 aircraft. The Aero-452 has a
built-in altitude and temperature compensating circuit, an
innovation the company claims makes it much more accurate.
It's a simple design. A green status light means
the air is just fine. An amber alert light, combined with a warning
tone issued from the flat-mounted control surface, indicates a
potentially dangerous level of carbon monoxide in the cockpit. And
just to be sure, ther3e's a test/reset button so you'll know it's
working.
CO Guardian touts the Aero-452 as the "safest way to catch a
killer." The price certainly isn't a killer. The Aero-452 lists for
$595. If that's enough money to make you choke, you can go with the
Aero-252, which starts at under $260. There are less expensive
detectors that tie directly to the airplane's cigarette lighter,
but some of them aren't certified by the FAA.
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