Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 7300; Flight Crew Type 7300
Workload; Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Aircraft
I [was] on an IFR flight plan.  I lost my vacuum pump shortly before reaching [the] VOR.  At first I thought I could manage using the magnetic compass but I am a single pilot without autopilot and became overwhelmed with trying to follow directions being given me by [the Controller].  I explained I was unable to comply with a quick change in course to a VOR [because] I was unfamiliar with [the] route.  I found myself talking over the Controller's instructions trying to explain my situation which only made matters more confusing because I wasn't hearing the instructions being given me and they weren't hearing my responses.  I told them several times I had lost gyro compass but apparently that was when they were also broadcasting to me.  This resulted in the Controller asking what was wrong; thinking I might be a student pilot.  In order to get the proper attention of the Controller I finally asked if I needed to declare an emergency for him to have time to talk to me and help me with vectors.  He asked what the problem was and finally heard me declare that I had lost gyro and needed time to respond and vectors to [destination].  At that point he agreed so he dedicated the time needed to get me to [destination] safely.The conclusion I draw from all this is I should have recognized the Controller was dealing with too many planes to be able to give the attention to me needed for safe flight.  I should have gone ahead and [advised him] when the communications became confusing so the Controller could spend the time needed on me.  In the future I will not wait so long and I recommend that pilots in training need to be made aware that any time they need the immediate attention and help of a Controller they should not hesitate to [speak up] so he is able to focus on your needs.
PA-28 pilot reported difficulty complying with ATC clearances while trying to navigate using the magnetic compass after losing his vacuum pump.