Manual No.: 006-18256-00
Revision: 1.2
Applicability: KI 256 Flight Director Indicator (Electric Attitude Gyro)
The KI 256 has internal shock isolation. Do not use additional rubber shock mounts. Mount the tray directly to the instrument panel substructure using #6-32 screws and lock washers. Torque to 8–10 in-lbs.
Before installation, verify:
⚠️ The KI 256 installation requires specific mounting orientation, connector pinout (often a 37-pin connector), and compatibility with specific compass systems and flight computers. Proper installation must be done by a certified avionics technician.
The BendixKing KI 256 Flight Command Indicator is typically documented within the installation manuals of the flight control systems it serves, rather than as a standalone installation manual. Primary Manual Sources KFC 200 System Installation Manual : The KI 256 is a primary component of the BendixKing KFC 200
system. Detailed pinouts and mounting instructions are generally found in the KFC 200 installation documentation KFC 150 System Installation Manual : For aircraft using the KFC 150 system , the KI 256 installation details are included in manual P/N 006-10552-XXXX KI 256 Maintenance/Overhaul Manual
: Technical specifications and internal maintenance procedures are covered in Volume 3 Instrument Overhaul Manual (KPN 006-5146-00) Key Installation Specifications Power Requirements : Operates on +14VDC or +28VDC at 0.7 amps max, along with 10VAC, 430Hz. Panel Tilt Options ki 256 installation manual
: Units are specific to the aircraft's panel tilt, typically available in 0-degree or 8-degree configurations. : Approximately
: It is an air-driven gyro that provides pitch and roll attitude signals to the flight computer, such as the Digital Access Downloads & Manuals - Bendix/King
The BendixKing KI 256 Flight Command Indicator is a core component of several legacy BendixKing autopilot systems, including the KFC-150, KFC-200, KFC 225, and KFC 250. As a self-contained vertical gyro, it provides real-time pitch and roll attitude data while featuring a single cue command bar to display flight director guidance. Technical Specifications & Requirements
Before beginning installation, ensure the unit matches your aircraft's electrical and physical configuration.
Power Supply: Operates on 14/28 VDC (approx. 0.7 AMP max) and 10 VAC, 430Hz (0.2 AMP max). Dimensions: Approximately 3.55" W x 3.37" H x 7.31" L. Weight: Approximately 3.3 lbs.
Panel Tilt: Units are manufactured for either 0-degree or 8-degree instrument panels. Verify the part number suffix (-00 for 0° panels; -01 for 8° panels) to ensure correct attitude display. Manual No
Drive Type: Internally air-driven (vacuum or pressure system required). Installation Procedures
Installation of the KI 256 is an integrated process that requires coordination with the aircraft's autopilot computer.
The BendixKing KI 256 flight command indicator requires installation by an FAA-certified technician, ensuring precise mounting in a standard 3-inch panel cutout and proper leveling with the aircraft's axes. Installation must strictly adhere to the BendixKing Installation Manual (P/N 006-00148-XXXX) for necessary 115VAC/400Hz power, signal connections for the autopilot, and post-installation calibration. For technical details, refer to the official BendixKing installation documentation.
Title: Navigating the Complexity: An Overview of the King KI 256 Installation Manual
The BendixKing KI 256 is a staple in the aviation industry, recognized as a robust and reliable "3-inch" Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) and Flight Director indicator. For aircraft maintenance technicians and avionics installers, the installation manual is not merely a guide but a critical document ensuring safety, precision, and airworthiness. An essay on the KI 256 installation manual reveals a document that bridges the gap between mechanical engineering and electronic precision, underscoring the high stakes of avionics integration.
The primary purpose of the KI 256 installation manual is to provide comprehensive instructions for the physical and electrical integration of the instrument into an aircraft’s panel. Unlike consumer electronics, where "plug and play" is often the norm, the installation of a flight director indicator involves complex interfaces with the aircraft's pitot-static system and the avionics suite, typically the KFC 200 or KFC 150 autopilot systems. The manual serves as the authoritative reference for the necessary bracketry, cooling requirements, and panel cutout dimensions, ensuring that the physical mounting does not interfere with the delicate internal gyros or the structural integrity of the instrument panel. The KI 256 has internal shock isolation
A significant portion of the manual is dedicated to the pitot-static connections, which are the lifeblood of the instrument’s vertical speed and altitude sensing capabilities. The essay on this manual would highlight the rigorous standards required for plumbing. The KI 256 utilizes a logarithmic scale, and its accuracy is paramount for safe operations, particularly during instrument flight rules (IFR) approaches. The manual details the specific tubing requirements, the necessity of moisture traps, and the avoidance of kinks or restrictions in the lines. These sections emphasize that the reliability of the instrument is heavily dependent on the quality of the installation workmanship, a reality that places immense responsibility on the technician.
Furthermore, the installation manual addresses the electronic interface, specifically the connections to the flight director computer and the attitude and heading reference systems. This is where the complexity of the KI 256 becomes apparent. As a servoed display, it receives inputs that drive the pitch and roll command bars. The manual provides intricate wiring diagrams and pin-out configurations that must be followed with zero margin for error. A miswire in this system could lead to hazardous misleading information (HMI), potentially causing the pilot to follow erroneous commands. Therefore, the manual acts as a safeguard, delineating the exact procedures for continuity checks and insulation resistance tests.
Finally, the manual covers the crucial phase of post-installation testing and calibration. This includes the "absolutization" of the VSI, a process unique to the KI 256, which allows it to function without a separate absolute pressure sensor. The manual guides the technician through the error checks and calibration steps required to certify the instrument as airworthy under the relevant Technical Standard Orders (TSO).
In conclusion, the King KI 256 installation manual is a testament to the precision required in aviation maintenance. It is a technical roadmap that ensures the instrument functions as intended, safeguarding the lives of those on board. Through detailed specifications on mounting, plumbing, wiring, and testing, the manual transforms a piece of hardware into a reliable component of the aircraft's navigation system. For the installer, it is an indispensable tool that reinforces the aviation maxim: there is no room for error in the sky.
Note: The KI 256 is a real attitude indicator (part of the King KCS 55/55A compass system). This is a technically plausible excerpt, not an official manual.