REFLECTOR: Cabin Heat

[Fred Anderka]

Dave:



Cabin heating is a serious issue for us flying in the frozen north.  Just returned from Tucson this weekend to the Ottawa (Ontario) area where the OAT after Colombia MO was -23C at 9500 ft. it was also -23 in the cabin.  The oil heater does not work at all when the oil temperature is below 180F.  On this flight the oil  temp was about 170-175F for most of the trip with CHT's in the 200 to 220° range, the NACA VG's are working too well.  Scott has a number of ideas on reducing the air flow through the engine NACA's that I have to try.



A Challenger (Ultra-light) owner has installed an AIR TOP 2000STD (http://www.webastoshowroom.com/pdf/New%20LIt/AirTop2000ST_spec.pdf) and claims it makes his plane winter flyable with lots of heat.  I have one in a box and plan on installing it just ahead of the Canard and above the front gear leg.  The unit is only about 10 lbs. but requires a separate Diesel tank.  Our local truck stop only had the diesel version although there is a gasoline version available.  At full output (7000 BTU's) the unit burns about one quart of diesel in 4 hours.



I will report the results once installed.  I am also rebuilding my front gear doors to provide a better seal and reduce the blast of frigid air.



Fred Anderka

C-GHOL XL RG







The only time I ever need defrost is a night departure when it's cold out.  The problem is that I don't have any source of heat then (avionics or oil).  The windshield tint compounds the problem.  Twice I've been completely blind at Midway.  Really not safe!



The problem with an electric heater is that with a 60 amp alternator I don't have much spare power available. I wish someone made a SMALL self contained fuel heater.



Dave






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