Non-TSO'd Radio/Avionics

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8359
Posts: 229
Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2018 10:53 pm
Location: KSNA
Name: Tamer A
Aircraft Type: 1946 C120 O-290-D
Occupation-Interests: Engineer
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Non-TSO'd Radio/Avionics

Post by 8359 »

I've done a bit of research into this, from what I can tell using non-TSO'd equipment in certified aircraft is okay, as long as it's not a Transponder/ADSB, IFR related instruments or flight recorders. This means a standard comm radio would be okay. I've also seem people put in glass panels placarded with "Not Primary Flight Instrument." With something like a C120, it's hard to specify it has to be TSO'd if it never had it to begin with.

My current radio uses a bit of juice, and I was hoping to change it out with something like the GTR200 that uses less power and had a built in intercom.

The question I have here, when I replace the radio, can it be done with a simple logbook entry, or would it require a field approval? My thought is a logbook entry signed off by an A&P would be plenty.
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5115
Posts: 97
Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:00 am
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Name: Martin Tanguay
Aircraft Type: C140
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Re: Non-TSO'd Radio/Avionics

Post by 5115 »

Hi Tamer,
This is a link I found a long time ago regarding TSO'd radios.
http://edburkhead.com/Ercoupe/radio_tso_requirement.htm

I'm not sure in the US if just a book entry is enough. But it will surely take also a W+B amendment.
Martin Tanguay
Intl Cessna 120-140 Association - Canadian rep
C140, C-FJAR, 1946, sn:9168, O-200, ragwings
8261
Posts: 28
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2018 10:48 pm
Location: Merrill Field, Alaska
Name: Christopher B
Aircraft Type: C120
Occupation-Interests: USAF
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Re: Non-TSO'd Radio/Avionics

Post by 8261 »

I replaced a KX-170B (non-TSO) with a Garmin GTR 200. A&P/IA did a logbook entry.

By the way, awesome radio.

Good luck,
Chris
2066
Posts: 600
Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:00 am
Location: North Carolina
Name: Mac Forbes
Aircraft Type: '46 Cessna 140
Occupation-Interests: Retired - Current 120-140 Assoc. NC Rep.
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Re: Non-TSO'd Radio/Avionics

Post by 2066 »

FWIW, in looking back at my 140's "radio history", there's been a 337 for each new replacement. It had a Narco Escort 110 when I bought it (...would transmit almost as far as a good garage door opener on its limited freqs, incidentally ;-)). The next upgrade was to a non-TSO'd Terra 960 & included completion of a #337 + new W & B. Good radio...on my golf cart & working OK today. In '02 we replaced the Terra with a non TSOd Icom A-200 -- the IA installed that, again with #337 completed + W & B updated. I do recall that the IA asked his FSDO contact about installing the non-TSOd vs. the exact same that was TSOd and available. He was asked for his opinion on the difference 'twixt the TSOd unit and the non & he replied "about $100 bucks"...the FAA rep laughed & said to just install it, complete/submit the 337 and get on with life. Again, FWIW, as this was "way back" in '02. Mac
8359
Posts: 229
Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2018 10:53 pm
Location: KSNA
Name: Tamer A
Aircraft Type: 1946 C120 O-290-D
Occupation-Interests: Engineer
Contact:

Re: Non-TSO'd Radio/Avionics

Post by 8359 »

Thanks for the feedback guys, and for that link Martin.

I have an A&P I've been working with who is pretty friendly. I'll run this idea by him and see what he says. I think it should be okay.

Glad to hear you love your GTR Chris.
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