I have owned a 1984 Piper Dakota for 14 years - 1,700 Hours (TT 2,900).
The Attitude Indicator has failed every 2 years (250 hours) in average.
Last time I did an Exchange in the hope that the core of the instrument was the cause of the frequent failures.
It failed again within 2 years/250 hours.
I have used 3 different shops, hoses have been replaced, etc.
My mechanic thinks that vibration could be the cause, he feels that Dakotas tend to vibrate more.
I have experienced other issues that seem to confirm that vibration has been a factor: Cooler bracket broke, Alternator bracket broke, Starter bolt broke.
4 years ago We replaced the engine mounts and had the propeller balanced to minimize vibration.
I would like to replace the KI 258 with a long lasting solution.
I have a basic King Autopilot Single Axis that is driven by the KI 258.
One alternative that I explored 2 years ago is the ASPEN PDF 1000 PRO with the EA100 for Autopilot, expensive.
With the several new avionics released in the last couple years and the requirement to install ADS-B Out, I wonder what is the best solution that I should pursue.
I appreciate all your thoughts.
The Attitude Indicator has failed every 2 years (250 hours) in average.
Last time I did an Exchange in the hope that the core of the instrument was the cause of the frequent failures.
It failed again within 2 years/250 hours.
I have used 3 different shops, hoses have been replaced, etc.
My mechanic thinks that vibration could be the cause, he feels that Dakotas tend to vibrate more.
I have experienced other issues that seem to confirm that vibration has been a factor: Cooler bracket broke, Alternator bracket broke, Starter bolt broke.
4 years ago We replaced the engine mounts and had the propeller balanced to minimize vibration.
I would like to replace the KI 258 with a long lasting solution.
I have a basic King Autopilot Single Axis that is driven by the KI 258.
One alternative that I explored 2 years ago is the ASPEN PDF 1000 PRO with the EA100 for Autopilot, expensive.
With the several new avionics released in the last couple years and the requirement to install ADS-B Out, I wonder what is the best solution that I should pursue.
I appreciate all your thoughts.
