My aircraft compass, Airpath glare-shield mounted, has recently sprung
a leak, and nearly all the fluid has disappeared over the past 4-6 weeks.
My mechanic says the diaphram has probably broken, and can be easily
replaced. But I'm thinking this could be an opportunity to replace it
with a SIRS compass (www.sirs.co.uk). Their web site says this compass
uses a smaller card and silicone-based fluid for better damping.
And I'm hoping the lighting is better than in my existing compass.
Although it is lit, the light is so dim that I still have to use a
flashlight on it anyway.

Does anyone, particularly in the SF Bay area, have experience with this
brand of compass? What is involved in swapping out the ccompass compared
to repairing? Yes, swapping will be more expensive, but to me it would
be worthwhile if the SIRS compass really does perform better.


Happy landings,
Ross Oliver