REFLECTOR: weatherproofing

[Ron Brown]

Hi Kirk,

There is another possible leakage source and that is the wing to strake joints.  Water can migrate down the center spar into the cabin and wind up in the floor.  I used white bathtub caulk (white and shinny) and laid a small bead into the seam after masking with blue painter's tape.  

Ronnie
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Kirk Aragon 
  To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list 
  Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 10:20 AM
  Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: weatherproofing


  John,

  I've also experienced standing water in my aircraft after a storm (when the aircraft is parked). Initially, I thought it was the weatherstripping around the doors, so I ordered some new weatherstripping from the factory. Before I had the opportunityto install it, I sat in the parked aircraft during a storm. I didn't notice a single drop of rain entering via the doors. I also did not see any puddling on the floorboards.

  I also became interested in the large holes on the sides where the canard meets the fuselage. But my experience during the storm made that hypothesis less likely. Why would I get water sometimes, but not allways?

  So spring time came and I decided the aircraft needed to be washed after sitting outside for the last three months. I didn't notice any leaks during the wash of the fuselage. However, water started to pool inside after I hosed down the newly de-gunked engine compartment. The distinctive odor of "GUNK "ENGINE BRITE" ENGINE CLEANER" assaulted my nose when I entered the cockpit.

  I noticied that water pooled on the lip of the bottom cowling. I also noticed the water draining into the channels where the oil hose goes to and returns from the nose mounted oil cooler. Eureka.

  I've purchased some high temperature sealant and hope to close the gaps soon.

  Hope this helps

  Kirk
  N360TV



  > Date: Thu, 7 Jun 2007 08:39:40 -0500
  > From: aminetech at bluefrog.com
  > To: reflector at tvbf.org
  > Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: weatherproofing
  > 
  > I haven't noticed any water getting in while flying in the rain, but a lot of water
  > comes in when it sits outside on the ground in the rain.
  > 
  > John
  > 
  > Tom wrote:
  > 
  > > While putting the canard back on I noticed I could see some daylight
  > > through the seams where the canard sits in the fueslage. Also, there
  > > are the two fairly large holes on the sides for movement of the canard
  > > control surfaces. Are these an issue when flying through rain as far as
  > > the avionics possibly getting wet? thx Tom
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