C2300L4 - AirPath Standard Magnetic Compass 12VDC

C2300L4 – Airpath Panel-Mount Magnetic Compass (12VDC Lighting)

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Overview

The Airpath C2300L4 is a high-quality, TSO-certified, panel-mount magnetic compass, a fundamental instrument for flight navigation and safety. This component serves as a critical standby heading indicator, providing reliable magnetic heading information that is completely independent of the aircraft's electrical, vacuum, or pitot-static systems. In the event of a total power or system failure, the magnetic compass remains the pilot's primary instrument for directional orientation.

The C2300L4 features a precision-balanced compass card mounted on a low-friction pivot within a sealed bowl. The bowl is filled with a clear, kerosene-based damping fluid that ensures stable, legible readings even in light turbulence. This specific model is equipped with a 12VDC "eyebrow" lighting assembly for illumination during night operations. As a time-tested and universally recognized design, the Airpath C2300 is the standard for reliable, self-contained magnetic heading reference.

Key Features

• FAA TSO-C7d Certified: Manufactured and tested in strict accordance with FAA Technical Standard Orders, ensuring its accuracy, durability, and reliability for certified aircraft.

• Liquid-Damped for Stability: The compass card is suspended in a specialized damping fluid that minimizes oscillation and provides a steady, readable heading indication.

• Fully Independent Operation: The magnetic heading indication requires no external power source, making it the ultimate backup navigational instrument.

• Integrated 12VDC Lighting: Features a front-mounted "eyebrow" light for clear illumination of the compass card for night VFR and IFR operations on 14-volt aircraft.

• Rugged, Vibration-Resistant Construction: Designed and built to withstand the vibration, temperature extremes, and G-forces of the aerospace environment.

• Built-in Compensators: Includes adjustable N-S and E-W compensating magnets to allow for the correction of magnetic deviation caused by the aircraft's own metallic and electrical structure.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: C2300L4

• Component Type: Panel-Mount Magnetic Compass

• OEM Manufacturer: Airpath Instrument Company

• Principle of Operation: Direct-Reading, Liquid-Damped Magnetic Alignment

• Lighting System: 12 VDC (for use in 14-volt aircraft electrical systems)

• Damping Fluid: Kerosene-based mineral spirit

• Mounting: Standard 2-1/4 inch panel cutout

• Certification: FAA TSO-C7d

Aircraft Compatibility

The Airpath C2300L4 is the factory-standard or specified replacement compass for a vast range of 14-volt general aviation aircraft. It is a common fitment on platforms manufactured by:

• Textron Aviation (Cessna, Beechcraft)

• Piper

• Mooney

• Cirrus

• Diamond

• And virtually all other general aviation OEMs.

Note: Verification of applicability is the responsibility of the installer. Always consult the current version of the aircraft's Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) or equipment list to confirm part number eligibility.

Applications

• Serves as the primary magnetic heading reference in classic VFR aircraft.

• A required standby magnetic compass in IFR-equipped and technically advanced aircraft.

• Provides the magnetic heading source required for aligning gyroscopic heading indicators.

Why Choose C2300L4?

The magnetic compass is a non-negotiable, flight-critical instrument mandated by airworthiness regulations. The Airpath C2300 is a trusted, TSO-certified design that has been the industry standard for decades. Using a certified compass is the only way to ensure the instrument has been properly constructed with a non-ferrous case, low-friction pivot, and correct damping fluid, and that it has been tested to perform reliably under all flight conditions. An uncertified or improperly maintained compass can provide erroneous, life-threatening information in an emergency.

The operational accuracy of the C2300L4 in an aircraft installation is critically dependent on the correction for magnetic deviation. Deviation is the error induced by local magnetic fields from ferrous materials (like the steel engine mount) and direct current from electrical systems. The C2300L4 is equipped with two small, adjustable compensating magnets mounted below the compass card, one aligned for North-South correction and the other for East-West. The process of "swinging the compass," mandated by 14 CFR §23.1547, involves placing the aircraft on a calibrated compass rose at various cardinal headings and carefully adjusting these compensator screws to minimize the deviation. Any remaining, uncorrectable error is documented on a compass correction card posted in view of the pilot. This procedure tunes the compass to its unique magnetic environment, ensuring it provides the most accurate possible heading reference.

Note: This is a flight-critical instrument. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and FAA standard practices (e.g., AC 43.13-1B). After installation, the compass must be compensated ("swung") for magnetic deviation, and a new, accurate compass correction card must be created and displayed in the aircraft. The compass bowl must be full of fluid and free of any bubbles, which can impair readability and accuracy.

Documentation

Installation instructions are typically provided by the manufacturer. The procedures for compass swinging and correction are detailed in federal regulations and FAA advisory circulars.

• FAA Advisory Circular AC 43.13-1B, Chapter 12, Section 3: Provides detailed guidance on aircraft instrument installation and maintenance, including compasses.