When an order is placed for an attitude gyro, it is important that the following information be given:

Instrument model number Aircraft voltage (14VAC or 28VAC) Panel tilt angle Lighted or unlighted #lighting voltage) Fixed or movable pointer Optional slip indicator Note: There is an extra charge to reset the tilt angle after purchase.

Panel tilt refers to the tilt angle of an aircraft's panel. The tilt angle is any deviation from the vertical axis of the control panel in level flight. When ordering an attitude gyro indicator, it is very important to know the tilt angle of the aircraft panel. Check your aircraft equipment manual or inspect the labeling on the side of your gyroscope. Installing the incorrect angle will cause the horizon to show a climb or a dive. If panel tilt is not known, the manufacturer of the aircraft should be able to provide that information. An attitude gyro indicator can be calibrated for a panel tilt from 0-14 degrees and should be specified when ordering. A label is attached to the gyro to indicate the tilt calibration of each unit. If a newly installed attitude gyro settles more than ± 1½ degrees pitch above or below where the expected horizon should be, then panel tilt or aircraft trimming issues should be suspected.

No, not all and they could be damaged if you do.

Many legacy electromechnical attitude gyroscopic instruments include a caging device to hold the gimbals in place and 'force' the gyro gimbals to return to their home position. This instantly erects or resets the unit by pulling the caging knob. Some caged gyros include a cage lock mechanism, some do not. Some people believe that a cage-able gyro should always be in the locked position when handling, transportation, or storage takes place. This is not always the case.

For example, L3, manufacturers of the legacy AIM gyro product line, specifically indicate in their installation manuals and service letters that "instruments without cage locking mechanisms are designed to be shipped in an uncaged condition...using external locking devices to cage the indicator may result in damaging the caging system...". Southeast Aerospace has seen many people use external means to force a cage lock such as a spacer wedged between the extended shaft and knob. As indicated by L3 (AIM), this could very well damage the unit since you are forcing it to do something it might not have been made to do.

Most, if not all, gyro manufactures have detailed instructions within their installation and operation manuals that indicate how a specific model instrument should be handled, transported, and stored. This includes instructions on whether or not to cage lock the instrument or not. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

(Cage-able but does not have cage lock locking mechanism)



(Cage-able but has cage lock)