Equipping a Brantly for Instrument Training

[Rotorhead]

Can a Brantly be outfitted with the equipment required for instrument training? I'm contemplating something similar to the R22 Instrument Trainer, with an artificial horizon and a DG (presumably electric, since there is no vacuum system), a glideslope-equipped Nav, and a marker beacon receiver. Can field approvals be obtained for the installations, and can space for the instruments even be found? Has this already been done, and if so, with what success?

[Steve Chenoweth]

I think the B-2B has room in the instrument panel, but not a B-2. I do not know of any field approvals for this, but it is something the factory has also talked about doing. You might check with the chief engineer at Brantly, Giles Lehaux to see if he knows what would be involved (940-552-5451).

Please post a response and let us know if you find out anything. Thanks.

[wingnut]

There was a Brantly being offered for IFR Training in the northwest a few years ago. They also offered gyro training. Try pra.org.

[JToms]

There have been several successful implementations over the years of a B2B equipped for instrument training, including one done at the factory some 20 years ago... I'll send a photo of the IFR panel from that one from my old photo pile...

We've been looking into using vaccuum instruments with a single powered vaccuum pump... also saving parts towards an IFR Brantly B2B Simulator in hopes of one day gearing up an FAR 141 course for the Instrument rating.

And then, of course, there was the early work done in the B2 with the autopilot and the dynamic stabilizer system... that was historic, and deserves to be updated into the new millenium with all the advances in technology since that time.

[Ron Spiker]

JToms, welcome to the site. I know you [guys] have tons of experience with the Brantly's. Looking forward to your participation in the forum. It is quite valuable when those like you help the rest of us out with questions and information here on the forum.

[RDRickster]

Jerry,

It was a pleasure flying with your team a few months ago. I look forward to flying with East Carolina Helicopters again, soon.

Rick