REFLECTOR: advuce

[Scott Derrick]

I did something similar, since I also have the offset torque tube that
allows a "round" hole for the elevator torque tube to transition through
the fuselage.

I used the furry side of a roll of velcro.  Its just the right thickness
to fill the gap between the tube and the hole, is imperceptible in
drag.  I applied a light coating of silicone to the edge that faces the
outside to prevent the furry stuff from getting really wet.  It has a
self stick backing.  Flew for 450 hours in lots of rain and even a bit
of ice with nary a problem.

Scott

Chuck Jensen wrote:
> Lou,
>  
> This assumes you have the torque tube that rotates around it's
> longitudinal axis, but from your post, it sounds like you have the
> version that moves laterally.
>  
> But, just in case it is an longitudinal rotater, go to a home
> furnishing store and buy one of those shower rod protectors; about 6'
> long.  They are a thin, white plastic sheath that's spilt lengthwise,
> so you can snap it over the shower rod.  The shower rod is 1" in
> diameter, the same as your elevator torque tube.   Cut off a 1" piece
> of the plastic protector and snap over your torque tube.  Slide the
> sheath along the torque tube until is it between the fuselage and the
> torque tube, then caulk the opening shut.  The torque tube will will
> rotate without drag inside the sheath, and you will have a 'zero
> clearance' plug for the gap between the torque tube and the fuselage.
>  
> Of course, if you torque tube moves laterally, well, that's beyond my
> pay grade and you're kind on your own, but I guess, to date, that's
> familiar territory.
>  
> Chuck Jensen
>
>  
>
>     -----Original Message-----
>     *From:* reflector-bounces at tvbf.org
>     [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org]*On Behalf Of *Lou Stedman
>     *Sent:* Sunday, October 04, 2009 10:39 AM
>     *To:* Canard Aviators; Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
>     *Subject:* REFLECTOR: advuce
>
>     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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