Mid-Continent Instruments announces industry first: gyro with built-in battery backup for emergency attitude reference

WICHITA, Kan. — Pilots and passengers can now fly with added confidence. With the launch of Mid-Continent Instruments’ new 4300 series electric attitude indicator — the Lifesaver Gyro® — even if every other system in an aircraft’s avionics panel goes dark, this innovative product powers on. The only attitude indicator to offer self-contained battery backup, it provides one hour of emergency attitude reference.

“No other attitude indicator offers this kind of security, convenience and cost-benefit,” said Todd Winter, president, Mid-Continent Instruments. “Having a self-contained power source means the Lifesaver can operate on its own even if every other system in the aircraft or helicopter fails.”

The only attitude indicator with a battery back-up built in, the Lifesaver Gyro®  adds cost savings to its obvious safety benefits. It outlasts the nearest competition with a lifespan that’s more than three times as long: 7,500 hours. It costs about two-thirds the price without the high installation and maintenance expense. Retrofit of aircraft is minimal with installation as simple as hooking up one standard connector.

“This new, easy-to-install option provides additional security—and peace of mind—and will further enhance the benefits that Mid-Continent Instruments brings to individual operators as well as to our airframe clients,” said Winter.

World-renowned aerobatic champion Ian Groom has been testing the Lifesaver in his new Extra 300 for the past year. Groom’s extremely technical aerobatics include record-breaking techniques, sometimes working under 10 Gs of pressure. He holds the world record for completing 57 snap rolls in 26 seconds and is known for such pulse-quickening moves as departure and recovery from controlled flight.

“I take calculated risks, but I am not a reckless person,” said Groom. “I thrill crowds and, yes, I may stop a few hearts with my maneuvers, but I make sure my aircraft doesn’t give me any surprises. Mid-Continent’s new attitude indicator is a perfect case in point.  It makes my aircraft safer — so I can go out and rip up the sky.”

Mid-Continent unveiled the product at the 2003 NBAA convention in Orlando, Florida. Unlike many aviation announcements — with the actual product still in development — the Lifesaver Gyro®  was immediately available to the industry. It can be purchased through any avionics shop.

Mid-Continent Instruments manufactures aircraft instruments for the general aviation industry. Services at the Wichita, Kansas facility also include developing and manufacturing new avionics products. Mid-Continent Instruments West in Van Nuys, California provides new instrument sales and is the top-rated instrument overhaul shop on the west coast. Together the locations employ more than 150 people and offer the largest general aviation instrument overhaul / exchange program in the world. Specialties include gyro, altimeter, HSI and autopilot system overhauls. Mid-Continent instruments are found in all new  Cessna-built airplanes and in Raytheon's Beech line of Bonanzas, Barons, King Airs and 1900 Airliners. Other key customers include GARMIN International, Honeywell, Cirrus, Lancair, Piper Aircraft Co., and Robinson Helicopter Co.