From: "Marvin Kaye" <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: SC Crash & AHRS
To: lml
Date: Sat, 07 Jun 2003 15:43:45 -0400
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Posted for "Kirk Hammersmith" <kirk@direct2avionics.com>:

Valin Thorn wrote:
"I remember Kirk tell us how easy it was to seriously confuse one of the new
(in development) AHRS systems by just shaking it a little bit. I hope the
investigators also look into the possibility of AHRS corruption/failure.
Does anyone know which AHRS was hooked up to their SFS?"

I am unable to discuss any of the data recovered from the SC accident as it
is in the hands of the NTSB & FAA, however Valin made the above comment
which I will respond to. For years I've been a proponent of "testing" the
various EFIS/solid-state gyros that are coming to market. Most of you know
that over the past few years I've been involved in vigorously testing and
evaluating these systems. The comment Valin was referring to was during my
test of the Blue Mountain System and more specifically, a bench test of the
BMA EFIS Lite. Since that time, BMA has made significant changes, however
I've never suggested that it is a piece of equipment I would rely upon in
IFR/IMC conditions.

In early SFS days, problems existed too. After years of testing and
improvements in both hardware and software, the CFS system is one of the
best available, barring none. The Crossbow 500 AHRS has gone through FAA
approval and received TSO approval. It is the same AHRS included with the
Certified CFS Flightlogic system-now certified in over 625 aircraft! I've
personally flight tested the 500 (way beyond) TSO requirements. The CFS
EFIS is not an inexpenssive system and it isn't for everyone. For those
that choose CFS, they will be rewarded with precision, accuracy,
reliablility and increased safety beyond anything else available.

I believe in the CFS product so much that I gave up my career as Lancair
Avionics Mgr and decided to dedicate all of my time as the primary
distributor and customer support point for the CFS Sierra EFIS. I don't
work for CFS, and yes I continue to evaluate and consider new equipment
coming to market. Yes, my opionion is now biased, but it doesn't change the
fact that what I've been expressing for the past four years holds true:
Whatever you decide to install (at ANY price) in your airplane, PLEASE make
sure you test it, fly behind it, and talk to those that have travelled down
the road before you. Their opinions and experiences are invaluable!

p.s. Thanks to Brent for all of his hard work in assisting w/ extraction of
flight data for NTSB.

  From me and my family, our hearts and prayers go out to those involved in
the SC crash.

Kirk Hammersmith
Direct-To Avionics
kirk@direct2avionics.com