Carl,
---From my flying experience, I don't believe you are likely to inadvertantly
land
a Europa with the flaps (and gear) up, the sight picture is different than with
them down. Motor gliders have no flaps to change the landing attitude, and there
has been a gear up landing with the long wings reported.
There have been a number of reported cases of landings with the gear lock either
not engaged, or with the lock hopping out during the roll out, causing the gear
to retract during roll out. If you decide to implement a gear warning, I would
suggest that a lock warning would be the most likely feature to be useful (or a
lock for the lock).
my two cents worth,
Terry Seaver
A135 / N135TD
Carl Pattinson wrote:
> Hi Folks,
>
> As the day of our first flight draws nearer (permit to test applied for), we
> have been having some thoughts about the possibility of landing gear up.
>
> OK so it shouldnt happen but everybody knows that if it can, then it will.
>
> We now of at least one Europa owner who lost his prop because he forgot to
> lower the undercariage and we are sure there are many more who kept quiet
> (lets face it its not something one admits to !).
>
> Anyway whether it is a real risk or not we thought it might be a good idea
> to build in some added insurance and wondered if anybody else has been there
> before.
>
> A recent trip to Maplins came up with a nifty door alarm which costs a mere
> 5.00 and activates an ear shattering scream (110db) when the magnet is
> moved away from the alarm box (about the size of a packet of cigarettes). If
> the idea works we may remove the reed switch out of the box to save space
> (and move the box to somewhere out of the way). Incidentally the power
> supply is 2 AAA batteries.
>
> Our simple solution was to attach the magnet to the gear retraction arm (on
> top of the armrest/ wheelwell next to the locking latch) with the alarm unit
> resting beside it and then wire in a microswitch so that the alarm is
> powered up when the throttle lever is closed (or partially closed - some
> trial and error required here)
>
> If the throttle is closed and the gear is not locked down the alarm will
> sound (there is also a flasher). Sounds simple, so where's the catch.
>
> If anyone has a better idea please let us know.
>
> Carl Pattinson
> G-LABS
>
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Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 09:14:50 GMT
Subject: Majordomo results: archive-get-immediate forum 200210
From: majordomo-owner@europaclub.org.uk
>>>> archive-get-immediate forum 200210
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