(Blanche Cohen) wrote:

Michael Adams wrote:
What does the FAA say about adding IFR certification to planes which
do not have it? Can IFR be added to any plane, or does it have to
have some sort of "pre-cerfication" by the manufacturer for make and
model? This question came up, because I have seen IFR added to a few
aerobatic models, presumably for "emergency IFR". I know for
helicopters, you can't add IFR unless it meets certain stability
requirements. I wasn't sure about planes.

"adding IFR certification"? please explain...

rats...my copy of the FAR is at the hangar. but if I remember
correctly, the requirements include

static/pitot check every 24 months
mode c transponder
communication equipment adequate to talk with ATC (radio that has
.x25) navigation equipment as appropriate (can't remember the exact
minimum but
I think it's 1 VOR receiver and indicator...is ILS required?
Possibly an ADF/DME in addition...)

Here's what FAR 91.205(d) says:
(d) Instrument flight rules. For IFR flight, the following
instruments and equipment are required:
(1) Instruments and equipment specified in paragraph (b) of this
section, and, for night flight, instruments and equipment specified in
paragraph (c) of this section.
(2) Two-way radio communications system and navigational equipment
appropriate to the ground facilities to be used.
(3) Gyroscopic rate-of-turn indicator, except on the following
aircraft:
(i) Airplanes with a third attitude instrument system usable through
flight attitudes of 360 degrees of pitch and roll and installed in
accordance with the instrument requirements prescribed in
Sec. 121.305(j) of this chapter; and
(ii) Rotorcraft with a third attitude instrument system usable
through flight attitudes of 80 degrees of pitch and
120 degrees of roll and installed in accordance with
Sec. 29.1303(g) of this chapter.
(4) Slip-skid indicator.
(5) Sensitive altimeter adjustable for barometric pressure.
(6) A clock displaying hours, minutes, and seconds with a sweep-
second pointer or digital presentation.
(7) Generator or alternator of adequate capacity.
(8) Gyroscopic pitch and bank indicator (artificial horizon).
(9) Gyroscopic direction indicator (directional gyro or equivalent).

Hope this helps,
Mike (the other one)