It was cold today!

[MikeM]

I had a training flight scheduled for 12:30pm today. Even though it was cold last night (about 7 degrees) I thought it would warm up by the time I went flying. My instructor was just finishing up with another student when I got there and both commented that it was cold in the Flight Design CTSW.

It was up to 24 degrees by then and the sun was shining so I thought it would be warmer in the airplane by the time we took off. I was wrong. Before we took off we had to fuel the airplane and I got a cold chill that just wouldn't go away. I don't like wearing a bulky jacket when I fly so I had dressed in thinner layers for warmth. I guess there weren't enough layers.

We took off and I flew a couple of maneuvers to warm up then my instructor told me make a couple of full-stop landings. After my second landing he told me to drop him off at the office and do some solo work. I think he just wanted to get into the office and warm up. When there was two of us in the airplane it wasn't too cold. We had the heat on full (which doesn't do too much) and it took the edge off.

After he got out it was downright cold in there. I don't know if it was because he has generating body heat or because he was absorbing all the cold. After two full-stop landings he told me to go out and fly some maneuvers by myself to get the feel of the airplane. I think he was trying to punish me. I did a couple of turns around a point and then flew over my house. It sure looked warm in there.

I headed back to the airport, landed, and taxied back to the hangar. It took some effort to get my half-frozen body out of the airplane. I talked to my instructor for a few minutes then got in my car for the drive home. I had the heat cranked to the max and by the time I got home I had the feeling back in my feet.

Most of my training has been in cold weather so I don't know why I felt so much colder today. Maybe it was because in my earlier flights I was too nervous to be cold. Anyways next time I go flying I'm wearing my long johns and electric socks.

P.S. Watch this space this summer for complaints about how #$%& hot it is in the airplane.




Hi Larry!

[eurofoxjames]

lol---that great!!
I went flying today in my Eurofox (which isn’t the most weather sealed plane) and the temps were 25-30 today. I am 230lbs and with all the layers I looked like a pills- bury-dough-boy taxing around. Thanks God I didn’t have to adjust my altimeter (I couldn’t have reached it had I needed to)….I had too much on, but I was warm.
James

[CharlieTango]

mike,

if you have enough tape on the radiator and enough of the wing root holes sealed the ct can be warm.

[Roger]

Mike,

There are hundreds of CT's all around the world flown at all different temperatures and climents. I would follow up with your instructor who should follow up with the CT dealer on what you guys are doing wrong in order to have enough heat for you to be comfortable. There are solutions - Charlie Tango has mentioned a couple.

I would also suggest when you have a problem while taking instructions, learning or working with a new airplane that your habit gets to be looking up the answer rather than complaining about it. You'll usually find a solution, be happier, more educated and a better pilot.

I flew mine with outside air at twenty five a couple of days ago with a tee-shirt and my nylon flight jacket - I was just fine.

And when you get to your summer problem I'll fill you in on the CT's air conditioning!!!!!

Roger

[MikeM]

mike,

if you have enough tape on the radiator and enough of the wing root holes sealed the ct can be warm.

We have all of the interior holes sealed and there is tape on the radiator. Since it is a rental airplane I guess I won't be putting any more tape on the radiator myself. I might have to suggest that they try a little more tape. The problem is that in Ohio the temperature varies. Next Monday the forecast is for a high of 45 degrees.

The CT is used for flight training and I have seen the engine temperatures go up during slow flight even in cold weather. I think the owners would rather be safe than risk the possibility of engine damage from some ham-fisted student (not me of course).

Still, I'd rather be cold in an airplane than warm in front of my TV.

[Roger]

I repeat...check with dealer...there are other solutions (you can be warm in plane and in front of TV) than applying tape (although that does work in many cases). I'm not a dealer or authorized by Flight Design or I'd post them.

The fellows that established the Around the World Record in the CT had much more climate changes to deal with then you would in Ohio and I think they came back with all their feet and fingers intact!!!

[MikeM]

Thanks for the info Roger. I will tell my instructors to check with the dealer about this. I know sometimes we take things for granted and think that improvements can't be made. And about that air conditioning...

[Cub flyer]

Why does tape work if there is a radiator thermostat on the 912?

Seems like it should regulate the coolant temps.

Is the tape closing up one of the air intakes for cabin heat?

Hose might be off the heater outlet. Our CT had that problem and no hot air came out the outlet but the whole instrument panel pod heated up.

I enjoy winter flying a lot. Better performance and usually smoother air.

The Cub needs lined jeans and gloves. I usually carry a roll of tape and tape the door shut from the inside when it is below 25F. Then it is pretty comfortable.

The Continental has four snap on quilted covers for the intake tubes and a heavy pair of snap on underwear over the oil tank. that keeps my oil temp around 140F when it is 10F outside 80 Wt Aeroshell W

There is one small blast hole under the prop that I tape over with aluminum tape. The aluminum tape is easier to remove than duct tape.


If conditions permit we'll install skis soon.

[Roger]

The SW model does not have a thermostat but is optional I believe (check with dealer). The LS model has a thermostat as standard equipment I believe (again check with dealer).

Tape works but in my mind should be a temporary fix only. And no, it's not covering up any air inlet for the heater - that's in a different location.

There are a couple of FD modifications to remedy the lack of hot air going to the cockpit and dealing with the oil temps. It's a fairly easy solution and not an expensive one.

Roger H