REFLECTOR: Gear Alert

[Kufalk]

I've installed an air speed switch to prevent the gear from retracting while going too slow.  It is connected through a relay to give me an alarm if the gear is not down and locked and I get too slow.  I also have a switch on the throttle to sound the alarm.  I have my checklist and always do the GUMP thing twice.

But, I still worry about landing with the gear up.  I am a human, I will be distracted and make a mistake sooner or later.  Just looking for another thing to make my airplane safer.

Darrell

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Al Gietzen 
  To: 'Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list' 
  Sent: Sunday, January 08, 2006 10:04 AM
  Subject: REFLECTOR: Gear Alert




  I have been thinking about getting one of these Gear Alert devices http://www.flyingsafer.com/2037.htm for my XLRG.  It is a ground proximity sensor that will give you a voice alert in your headset if you are below 150 ft AGL and your gear is not down and locked.



  Here's a $15 option.  Many builders install the so-called 'squat switch' to prevent raising the gear when the plane is on the ground. It is a very inexpensive pressure switch connected into the pitot line.  The trip point of the switch is adjustable, and set to interrupt gear up circuit at airspeeds less than landing speed.



  Using a simple relay circuit, I wired mine to serve dual purpose; prevent gear-up when on the ground, but to also sound the gear warning horn if airspeed goes below approach speed, and the gear is still up.  Tests using a water manometer show that the trip point is quite consistent (within a 5 kt range).  Hasn't yet been tested in flight.



  Or course the warning horn circuit has reset button for the times when you are doing other slow speed maneuvers with gear up.



  FWIW,



  Al



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