I agree with the other comments expressed about cabin heat.
I have about 250 hours in my Europa 'classic' in the SE of England.
To the best of my recollection, I've been cold about 5 times in all
(nothing a heavy jumper or two wouldn't cure).
I've been warm or hot loads of times (May to September, typically !),
particularly on the ground.
I think I might consider cabin heat if I was operating in a region where
it was regularly below zero on the ground.
The proximity of the engine and the large amount of transparent plastic
creates a mini-greenhouse.
Hope this helps.
Alan
----- Original Message -----
From: carl@photos.prestel.co.uk
Subject: Cabin heat and instrument Cooling
Does anyone know if it is OK to take hot air directly from the engine
compartment into the cabin. It would seem to be a simple matter of
installing a metal shutter (cable operated) at the back of each footwell
so that warm air could be drawn from the bottom of the engine bay. A
baffle might need to be installed to reduce noise levels but at least
there would be no need for any ducting.
This appears to be a simple solution to the heating problem but (a)
would it work and (b) would it be allowed.
Presumably it would be prudent to install a carbon monoxide detector
in the cabin (or near the hot air outlet). One would assume that the air
exchange rate in the engine compartment is fairly frequent so
comparatively fresh.
Conversely, is there any necessity to install cooling to the
instrument panel. On our aircraft this is effectively a sealed unit but
we were wondering whether to cut a few holes in the top and bottom to
keep the radios, transponder etc cool. Maybe even a 12 volt cooling fan
to stop any chance of overheating.
Carl
G-LABS
|