Knocked out a couple of approaches today in IMC conditions. Was cut
short due to a vacuum system problem (note, not the pump).
Ceilings 1500 at KJAN and 1400 on my approach into KMBO.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCvDb3mCAf8
Just after entering the clouds, saw my attitude indicator show an
extraordinary pitch up. Quick scan of my airspeed and VSI did not
confirm. Since I was IMC decided to continue approach and just work
my partial panel skills. Turning back wasn't an option.
In the full scheme of things, no big deal.
Camera was placed on glare ****eld for the outside view since I didn't
have a passenger It would have been nice to capture the
instrumentation discrepancies if anything for others to see it happen
under real conditions .but somebody had to man the shop and reaching
for the camera myself was not an option in IMC..
After settling in, just contacted approach and advised them I didn't
have a vacuum system, and would use ground track for my heading
directions. When asked my intentions, I said to continue my ILS
approach into KJAN and then VOR Alpha back to Madison with vectors. I
had in my mind if it was too much work, just would do a full stop at
KJAN.
ATC asked if I needed any assistance and I declined as everything
really was under control.
Used my VSI as my "attitude indicator" figuring if it was level,
airplane was level. If it pointed down, then I figured my nose was
pointed down, and vice versa for pitch up.
While I could have used the TC for bank information, I found it much
easier in my scan just to use the ground track on the Garminm 430. If
it changed, I figured the plane was banking.
Problem I think (still getting this checked into) is the vacuum
regulator as my vacuum gauge was reading 6 out of possible high of
7. Time will tell...
Allen
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