DC 9 Altimeter

[richjb]

The altimeter used on the HJG DC9 panels is an older version of the drum and pointer style that was used on US aircraft until the mid 60's. However, following the crash of AA 383 in Cincinnati, OH in 1965, this style of altimeter was replaced with the style of altimeter that is used on the HJG B727 panels.

aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19651108-3

The drum & pointer style used on the DC9 panels was cited in the accident report as being possible cause of the loss altitude awareness cited as the probable cause of the accident. Most, if not all US airlines replaced these older altmeters with the style that displays all the thousand foot altitude increments.

Is it possible that a panel option could be provided that would substitute the B727 style altimeter in place of the altimeter used on the current DC 9 panels when the panel is used on with a US aircraft?

Thanks,

Rich Boll

[aerofoto - HJG Admin]

The panel version/s we offer are actually based on an SAS configuration and instrument standard.

Whether or not the altimeter version installed in these panels actually reflects that of the SAS instrument standard .... or .... is just for FS convenience .... I can't say.

At this time .... we do not have any plans to make further alterations to these panels .... other than some possibly minor amendments to the DC9-10 series panel versions, but which, "IF" undertaken, likely won't become available before the end of the year.

I'm not sure if the current B727 panel/s altimeter is portable to the DC9 panels by simple PANEL.CFG/gauge name/number editing.

Whether or not our current B727 panel/s altimeter will fit the space/shape/cut out provided is the actual issue here .... but .... it may do .... and if it does then I'd like to know that myself too.

Mark C
AKL/NZ

[George Carty - HJG]

I wouldn't recommend trying to use the B727 panel altimeter on the DC-9 panels, as the rest of the rp727_2.gau file may conflict with the DC-9 systems! A stand-alone altimeter gauge (even an FS98-style one, as the panel isn't FSX compatible) would be a better idea in my view.

Oh, and the current DC-9 panel altimeter was taken from the HJG DC-8 panel, rather than the original Hilmerby panel, so wouldn't this imply that the Super 60 and Super 70 DC-8 panels ought to have the more modern altimeter style?

George

[aerofoto - HJG Admin]

I wouldn't recommend trying to use the B727 panel altimeter on the DC-9 panels, as the rest of the rp727_2.gau file may conflict with the DC-9 systems!

OH WELL .... that solves that then ;D .... thank George !

the current DC-9 panel altimeter was taken from the HJG DC-8 panel, rather than the original Hilmerby panel, so wouldn't this imply that the Super 60 and Super 70 DC-8 panels ought to have the more modern altimeter style?

DUNNO .... because the instrument standards, as applied to DC8's, was often a mixture of both era/technology and airline preference .... so far as I'm aware !

Mark C
AKL/NZ

[richjb]

Thanks everyone!

I'll look at options in the regular MSFS gauge files for an altimeter that could be used with the DC 9.

A search of Airliners.com reveals that some aircraft restrained the older style altimeter, including many B727s. It was mostly the US carriers that adopted the modern altimeter.

I'm not familiar with guage files, but is there a way to shrink the gauge to fit the panel opening if necessary?

Thanks again!

Rich

[aerofoto - HJG Admin]

A search of Airliners.com reveals that some aircraft restrained the older style altimeter, including many B727s.

YES .... instrument standards can, and do sometimes, vary considerably between operators and aircraft .... according to preferences etc

It was mostly the US carriers that adopted the modern altimeter.

Possibly mandated by the FAA for all/the majority of US operators .... maybe !

is there a way to shrink the gauge to fit the panel opening if necessary?

I believe that can be done, but, I wouldn't be inclined toward endorsing this .... due to what George states above and unless one was really competent in respect of panel editing and gauge substitution etc.

Mark C
AKL/NZ