The difference some tape can make

[mike.smith]

I just lived one of my flight fantasies this morning. I got up early, went to the airport, and flew my own plane before going to work!

All the engine and flight numbers were awesome this time. I have an opening in the back of the right baffle for the cabin heat inlet. I had a cover plate over it but my DAR warned me that that could make the heat muff and scat tubing overheat. But it occurred to me last night that without the plate all that air was being dumped into the bottom of my cowl!

So I put some heat tape over the opening with just a little space for air to get through. Wow! What a difference that made in the engine numbers! I was able to run wide open throttle the entire time I flew for a half hour. All the numbers were in the green and performance was as advertised.

I think I'll modify that plate and put it back on!

Mike

[Sonex1517]

Very cool Mike!

I took my Cherokee up a few times before work on "dawn patrol" missions, and cannot wait to do the same with my Sonex!

I will keep your experience in mind too - I have been on the fence about cabin heat and at the stage where I need to decide if I am adding it....


Robbie Culver
Sonex 1517
Chicagoland
Tails and Wings complete - finishing fuselage.
N1517S reserved