Aero-TV Checks Out The Mid-Continent 'Life-Saver' EAI!

The Ultimate Backup Instrument?

One of the most intriguing instruments that can go in your panel may be one of the most 'redundant' gauges to hit the industry. Mid-Continent Instrument's MCI 4300 AI offers incredible piece of mind to pilots who do a lot of flying in IMC and simply want more redundancy than most airframes already provide--especially in an age where a number of aircraft are being built "all-electric."

Currently the only attitude indicator to offer a self-contained battery backup, the MCI 4300 AI provides one hour of emergency attitude reference -- no matter what happens to the aircraft's main power sources... including the airframe battery(s).

GA manufacturers are taking notice with recent adoptions of the 4300 by industry heavyweights like Mooney and Piper, MCI is winning fast converts. The battery is a small add-on module that attaches to the back of the main AI chassis (see last photo below) and will need replacing every three years... a task made quite a bit easier by the means by which the battery unit was adapted externally to the main chassis, eliminating the need to tear the whole unit down for a battery change-over. Winter also emphasized the rugged nature of this unit... with a lengthy lifespan and the ability to weather even the most demanding aerobatic and helo operations -- tasks that normally eat gyros, with relish.

The Lifesaver Gyro adds cost savings to its obvious safety benefits. It outlasts the nearest competition with a lifespan that's more than three times as long: 7,500 hours. It costs about two-thirds the price without the high installation and maintenance expense. Retrofit of aircraft is minimal with installation as simple as hooking up one standard connector.

The 4300 Series Attitude Indicators are designed for use as primary or standby artificial horizon in helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. These dual voltage gyros offer 10-32 volt DC replacement for use in either 14 or 28 volt helicopters, have anti-reflective glass to enhance visibility and reduce pilot fatigue, and they outlast the nearest competition with a service life that's more than double the life of most electric gyros.

FMI: www.mcico.com

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