REFLECTOR: advuce

[Lou Stedman]

I would like to run something past the group for your input. It is once again fall up here in the north country and all thoughts turn to keeping warm in our airplanes. With both my Long EZ and Velocity, the same problem comes up. How to close off air infiltration where the elevator torque tube comes through the fuselage. I have tried foam and a boot and everything else I could think of but have never been able to seal off the curved area, behind the torque tube. As a result I freeze in the winter. I have come up with a idea that might work for all of the EZ type that are flying with a GU canard. Instead of trying to seal off the two entry points on either side, why not seal off the whole area behind the panel, to just below the top of the canard bulkhead? I am thinking of installing Velcro along this area, then getting a thin piece of leather with Velcro on the edges. Two holes would have to be cut out to allow the trim tab and the elevator control rod, from the stick. Two boots could then be attached, with Velcro to the leather, over the control rod and trim spring, to allow movement, and secured to same. This would keep any air which enters via the torque tubes from getting into the cabin area. What do you think? My only concern at this point is to make sure there is no way to bind up the elevator control rod or the trim spring. Has anyone ever tried this? If so what were the results? I am not sure how much pressure I would see inside this area and if that would cause any problems with the leather. Any feed back would be appreciated. Please don't tell me to get seat warmers. Thanks

Lou Stedman
Velocity SEFG
N7044Q
Olean, NY
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