Midcontinent 4300-6 Series Manual

MANUAL NUMBER 9015834-2
REV. A January 4, 2011
PILOT’S GUIDE
for the
4300-6XX Series Electric Attitude Indicator
with Battery Backup
Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics
9400 E. 34th Street N., Wichita, KS 67226 USA
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
[email protected]

Rev. A January 4, 2011 Page 2 of 11 Manual # 9015834-2
Pilot’s Guide
Congratulations on selecting one of the most advanced new aviation products. The design
team at Mid-Continent has incorporated four decades of experience with aircraft
instrumentation to bring you the best possible reliability and value in aviation. We are
proud to offer the finest Attitude Indicator in its class. New technology allows our unit to run
twice as many hours as older designs. Our self-contained emergency power feature offers
pilots a level of safety never before available to fellow aviators. All this is backed by Mid-
Continent’s world class reputation for high quality and responsive service.
J. Todd Winter
President
Forward
This manual provides operational instructions for use by persons who operate aircraft in
accordance with applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (Title 14 CFR).
We welcome your comments concerning this manual. Although every effort has been
made to keep this manual free of errors, some may occur. When reporting a specific
problem, please describe it briefly and include the manual part number, the
paragraph/figure/table number, and the page number. Please email or send your
comments to:
Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics
Attn: Technical Publications
9400 E. 34th ST North
Wichita, KS 67226 USA
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]
[email protected]

Operating Instructions
4300-6xx Series Electric Attitude Indicator
Rev. A January 4, 2011 Page 3 of 11 Manual # 9015834-2
Pilot’s Guide
Table of Contents
Page
EAI Function
Figure 1 4
Section 1 General Description
1.1 Purpose 5
1.2 Functional Description 5
Section 2 Operation
2.1 General 6
2.2 Preflight Checks 6
2.3 Preflight Checklist, Normal Operation 6
2.4 Standby Operation, Emergency Mode 6
2.5 Standby Battery Check 8
2.6 Shutdown 8
Section 3 Equipment Limitations
Equipment Limitations 8
Section 4 Service Reminder
Standby Battery Continued
Airworthiness 9

Operating Instructions
4300-6xx Series Electric Attitude Indicator
Rev. A January 4, 2011 Page 4 of 11 Manual # 9015834-2
Pilot’s Guide
EAI Function
Figure 1
(Representative View)
Roll Pointer: A) Fixed roll pointer: Indicates aircraft roll displacement relative to a
rotating roll dial.
Gyro Warning Flag: If loss of operating voltage should occur, gyro warning flag will come
into view.
Display: Lower area of display, when referenced to the symbolic airplane,
indicates aircraft nose is below horizon or in a dive attitude. Upper
area of display indicates aircraft nose is above horizon or in a climb
attitude.
Symbolic Airplane: Indicates roll and pitch attitude relative to the horizon. The symbolic
airplane may be delta or traditional shape. It can be moved (pitch only)
using the symbolic airplane adjustment knob.
Horizon Line: Indicates earth horizon relative to aircraft pitch and roll attitude.
Caging knob:
(Quick Erect) When pulled, manually erects the gyro vertical to the case orientation. Wings level to the horizon.
Symbolic Airplane
Adjustment Knob: Used to adjust the symbolic airplane.
Slip Indicator (option) Rolling ball indicates sideways slip or skid in a turn.

Operating Instructions
4300-6xx Series Electric Attitude Indicator
Rev. A January 4, 2011 Page 5 of 11 Manual # 9015834-2
Pilot’s Guide
1 General Description
1.1 Purpose
The Model 4300-6xx Electric Attitude Indicator has two purposes:
1. To function as a primary and/or standby attitude indicator.
2. To continue to operate as a primary and/or standby attitude indicator in the event
that the aircraft main DC power source is interrupted or has failed in flight.
In the event that aircraft electrical power is lost, the indicator will switch to an internal
backup power source (rechargeable sealed lead acid battery) to permit continued
operation of the indicator.
1.2 Functional Description
The 4300-6xx Electric Attitude Indicator offers the unique feature of a self-contained
standby power source. Advances in the design of this gyro system allow it to operate for
approximately one hour after main input power is lost, depending on the battery condition
at the time of power failure.
The indicator requires 10 to 32 VDC input voltage. An integral dial lighting system features
a user replaceable light tray assembly. It operates from the aircraft lighting bus and is
available in 5V, 14V, or 28V versions. In standby power mode, low intensity LED powered
dial lighting is automatically turned on to provide nighttime visibility.
CAUTION:
A RED WARNING FLAG DROPS INTO VIEW TO INDICATE THAT THE
GYRO MOTOR IS NOT RECEIVING SUFFICIENT POWER TO OPERATE.
THIS WILL NORMALLY OCCUR ONLY IF THE UNIT IS TURNED OFF, OR
AFTER THE INTERNAL STANDBY BATTERY IS EXHAUSTED.
A STEADY HALF-BRIGHT AMBER STATUS LIGHT AT THE BOTTOM
LEFT OF THE INDICATOR INDICATES THAT MAIN D.C. POWER IS
INTERRUPTED OR HAS FAILED AND THAT THE INDICATOR IS
RUNNING ON ITS INTERNAL BATTERY. FURTHER ACTION IS
REQUIRED TO TURN OFF STANDBY BATTERY OPERATION (SEE
SECTION 2.4).
The internal battery is designed for emergency use only. Storage at high ambient
temperatures, extended discharging, extended lack of charging, misuse and age will
require early battery replacement. Replacement can be done in the field with or without
removal of the attitude indicator. Do not operate this instrument without the specified
battery intact. Battery substitution, modification, misuse and lack of specified maintenance
will void all warranties and hold the manufacturer harmless from any and all claims or legal
actions.
Refer to an FAA authorized maintenance facility for testing and maintenance of this
instrument excluding battery or light tray replacement.

Operating Instructions
4300-6xx Series Electric Attitude Indicator
Rev. A January 4, 2011 Page 6 of 11 Manual # 9015834-2
Pilot’s Guide
2 Operation
2.1. General
This section describes the Model 4300-6xx Electric Attitude Indicator operating
procedures. The indicator is required to be installed in an aircraft with the specified inputs
applied. Figure 1 provides an illustration of a typical Model 4300 display and a table
describing indicator functions.
2.2 Preflight checks
The following operational procedures are recommended when preparing the indicator for
use:
CAUTION:
THE INDICATOR MAY BE DAMAGED IF THE “PULL TO CAGE” KNOB
IS RELEASED WITH A “SNAP”. LOWER THE “PULL TO CAGE” KNOB
AVOIDING A “SNAP” RELEASE.
2.3 Preflight Checklist, Normal Operation
A. Master switch: On.
B. Gyro warning flag (red): Out of view.
C. Pull to cage knob: Extend fully and return.
D. Manually adjust pitch attitude presentation: As required.
NOTE:
Indicator may be momentarily caged (also known as ‘quick erect’) by pulling “PULL TO
CAGE” knob to the fully extended position, holding knob until the display stabilizes, and
then allowing the knob to return to the normal position.
2.4 Standby Operation, Emergency Mode
A. Amber Light Steady and Half-Bright
When the instrument switches to standby battery power, the amber STBY PWR
light on the lower left of the unit will light up half-bright. This is intended to attract the
pilot’s attention and indicate that there has been a loss of primary power to the 4300
Attitude Indicator. If no further action is taken, the unit will continue operating on the
standby battery for approximately one (1) hour or until the battery is exhausted. An
independent standby dial lighting system also operates in this mode. The red gyro
warning flag remains out of view, which indicates the gyroscope is valid and running
on standby battery power. Pushing the STBY PWR button on the face of the
instrument will turn off the unit.
Restoring aircraft power will clear any standby operation and resume automatic
battery charging.

Operating Instructions
4300-6xx Series Electric Attitude Indicator
Rev. A January 4, 2011 Page 7 of 11 Manual # 9015834-2
Pilot’s Guide
B. In-Flight Emergency Procedure - Loss of Main DC Power
In the event of a loss or interruption of main power, the unit will immediately and
automatically switch to standby power. The amber standby power light will turn on,
warning the pilot that the Electric Attitude Indicator has lost its main DC power
source. The user must manually press the STBY PWR button to turn the unit off of
standby power. Unless the STBY PWR button is pressed, the indicator will run for
approximately one hour if the battery was fully charged or until main DC power is
restored. If the gyro warning flag is out of view, the indicator is operating with main
or standby power. If the red warning flag is in view, the indicator is inoperative and
must not be used.
C. Standby Operation Ground Check - Emergency Mode
1. Master switch: On – Unit running for 5 minutes minimum –
Red gyro warning flag out of view
2. Master switch: Off
3. Amber light: Illuminated, half-bright.
4. Gyro warning flag: Not in view.
5. Press “STBY PWR” button: Once
6. Amber light: Extinguished.
7. Gyro warning flag: In view.

Operating Instructions
4300-6xx Series Electric Attitude Indicator
Rev. A January 4, 2011 Page 8 of 11 Manual # 9015834-2
Pilot’s Guide
2.5 Standby Battery Check
Standby battery test is recommended only during routine ground or flight operations.
1. Master Switch: On – Unit running for 5 minutes minimum – Red gyro warning
flag out of view.
2. Press and hold “STBY PWR” button for approximately four seconds. Gyro is now in
a one-minute battery test mode. Amber LED will turn on during this test sequence.
3. Green light illuminated during full test sequence: Standby battery is good.
4. Red light illuminated anytime during one-minute test sequence: Battery is not
charged and may require replacement. Refer to installation manual P/N 9017205
for instructions.
NOTE
Standby internal dial light automatically illuminates when Electric Attitude
Indicator is in the standby mode. This light has no dimming capabilities.
2.6 Shutdown
Upon shutdown of the aircraft the unit will automatically and immediately transition to
standby power. The gyro must be shutdown during post-flight shutdown by pressing the
“STBY PWR” button once. The red gyro warning flag will come into view. If the indicator
is allowed to operate in Emergency Power Mode long enough to completely drain
the battery, then battery service will be required before use in Emergency Mode
again.
*******
WARNING: The unit does not distinguish between loss of power in
flight (during an emergency) and loss of power during normal post-
flight shutdown.
Therefore, it is REQUIRED to turn off the standby battery backup power after
each flight. Failure to do so will deplete the battery and cause permanent
damage, requiring replacement of the standby battery.
*******

Operating Instructions
4300-6xx Series Electric Attitude Indicator
Rev. A January 4, 2011 Page 9 of 11 Manual # 9015834-2
Pilot’s Guide
3 Equipment Limitations
Actual operation time on the standby battery may vary considerably depending on
temperature, charge status, and battery condition. Low temperatures below 32F will
temporarily degrade battery capacity. A poorly maintained battery will suffer accelerated
degradation. Extended storage in a discharged state or over-charging will permanently
damage a battery. Complete charging is required to bring the battery up to full capacity if it
has been stored for more than four months or if it has been partially discharged.
Internal chemistry will slowly degrade battery capacity over several years of operation
even when correctly maintained. Recommended replacement interval for the standby
battery is 3 years due to naturally diminished capacity.

Operating Instructions
4300-6xx Series Electric Attitude Indicator
Rev. A January 4, 2011 Page 10 of 11 Manual # 9015834-2
Pilot’s Guide
4. Service Reminder
Standby Battery P/N 9015607
CONTINUED AIRWORTHINESS
This reminder is to advise of the proper maintenance for the Standby Battery
manufactured by Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics Regular maintenance of the
Standby Battery should be done at the following intervals. Additionally, battery
replacement is recommended after three (3) years of use.
1. In normal use the 4300-6xx Attitude Indicator supplies the proper float charge
voltage to maintain the Standby Battery at peak capacity. If the 4300-6xx has not
been operated for an extended period (more than 3 months) the Standby Battery
will slowly self-discharge. Self-discharge rates are directly related to the storage
temperature. The higher the storage temperature the faster the self-discharge rate.
Therefore, the Standby Battery should be periodically charged or removed from the
installation and maintained on a charger per current installation manual number
9015762.
****WARNING****
Battery out gassing and a rotten egg odor may occur due to prolonged
high rate overcharging and may result in Standby Battery damage. MCI
recommends that the Standby Battery assembly be replaced if out gassing
has occurred.
2. On at least an annual basis, as well as any time there may be a question about
Standby Battery performance (life) a full capacity test should be performed. To
perform a full capacity test use one of the following methods.
a. Use Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics Battery Charger/Tester P/N
36029. When in the capacity test mode this Charger/Tester will charge
the battery and measure the time required for discharge (60 minutes
minimum). The unit will then automatically switch to the charge/float
mode to re-charge and maintain the Standby Battery at full charge.
****WARNING****
The Standby Battery may be permanently damaged if it is left in a
discharged state. Recharge a discharged Standby Battery as
soon as possible and maintain with a float charge for maximum
Standby Battery life.
b. Refer to the current unit installation manual number 9015762 for other
methods to perform the full capacity test.
3. Recommended complete replacement interval for the Standby Battery is 3
years because of diminished capacity.

Operating Instructions
4300-6xx Series Electric Attitude Indicator
Rev. A January 4, 2011 Page 11 of 11 Manual # 9015834-2
Pilot’s Guide
NOTE: The Standby Battery contains lead. Do not dispose of in local
landfills or other environmentally sensitive areas.
NOTE: Recycle the Standby Battery in accordance with state and local
regulations. For recycle locations visit www.rbrc.com or call
1-800-8-BATTERY (1-800-822-8837).