Central Warning System

Sample Warnings

My Airplane Installation

This warning system is another feature that sets my airplane apart.

It is a programmable warning and caution system –  a Central Warning System. It also includes accompanying audio warnings (which are customizable to your needs). In addition, this system supplements all the cool inputs to the Garmin system.

My installation includes the optional Master Warning/Caution Light which flashes. You can cancel the flashing and audio with a press of the switch, but the red warning or amber caution light remains on until the issue is resolved.

This system can also will notify the pilot if there is a caution or warning on the Garmin system. Very handy!

You can learn all about the Aero Safety Systems products at their website.

In my installation, this system warns of such things as cabin doors, gear doors, cargo door, landing gear, takeoff warning, AC compressor outlet temp, spar temps, starter remains engaged, fuel pump, pitot heat needed (OAT), O2 needed (altitude). It is a “smart” warning system. You can choose which warnings are needed for your airplane.

For example, when you power up the airplane with the cabin doors open, it will not annoy you with a audible cabin door warning or any flashing lights. While the DOOR light will be illuminated, along with the Master Warning/Caution light, if you attempt a takeoff with either door not closed, you will get the visual flashing warning plus the audible warning.

In my case, I put a limit switch on the full forward throttle position. Whenever I push full forward and ANY door (pilot, copilot, or cargo) is not closed OR the fuel pump is not on, I will get the proper warning, along with its corresponding audible message.

Since the system is programmable, you can do things like time delays. For example, my Starter L or Starter R warnings only activate after a 10 second delay. For normal operations, there are no lights and no warnings. If I engage the starter for more than 10 seconds, then I will get the warning. This avoids unduly overheating a starter motor, and, potentially ruining it. I will also get this warning in the case where the starter remains engaged even though I have released the starter switch. In this case, I would need to immediately shut down that engine and investigate.

Another example is the several warnings that I have programmed for the fuel pump: it warns if it is not powered on for takeoff, or not on for landing, or if I forget and leave it on after takeoff.

Cool, huh? Programmable. I like it. 🙂