skippydiesel

Recent trip to The Oaks - Condobolin, NSW, saw 1C, for 90 minutes, at 4500ft. Felt like my feet & calves were about to drop off as I dismounted on arrival. As a result of the above experince, have been thinking on workable solutions for our short but sometimes uncomfortably cold winter flying months; Plumb in the traditional hot air from silencer/exhaust system. Well tested, effective aircraft cockpit heating solution BUT will require considerable fabrication, increased risk of CO poisoning & I suspect cockpit noise levels. Will add little/nothing for 10 months of the year. Make up an automotive style coolant heater with small fan to circulate. Doable but as with above a fair bit of work involved taking the bird out of operation during some of our best flying conditions. Additional weight (got to add at least 3-5 kg). There may also be engine overcooling issues and due to long coolant hoses, additional joins = heightened failure risk. High Top Ugg Boots Yeah but will require changing to regular shoes for any serious ground activities (long walk to point Percy, etc). Bulky when not in use (aircraft space challenged) No longer as cheap as in my youth (last time I had a pair) $70 - $320 Heated socks that have been developed for winter activates such as skiing. This has real potential. No aircraft mods required. Battery powered. Some rechargeable. Claims of adjustable temperature from about 38C upwards (seems a tad hot to me). Relativly low cost (from low $ teens to about $450, with most under $100). Light weight and low volume. This might just be the way to go for our short winter. I am keen to hear from anyone who has experince using heated socks.😈

Round trip 4.3hrs (Hobbs). Times worked out very well - got to Cowra before 12:00 Was almost frozen stiff by the time I got to Condo. Great air, lots of ground fog. Condo deserted - if it wasn't for a passing cattle truck, I would have thought mankind had evaporated. Cowra, Not quite as quiet. Lots of training aircraft lined up waiting for the week to start. Met a wonderful couple, who gave me a lift into town & back for some fuel. Cowra to The Oaks via Wingello - Cloud at 6/8th 5000ft.. Went over the top at 7500Ft - smooth as! This was my longest flight in the Sonex - Perth soon😈

29/06/25 Todays Fun Departing The Oaks -Landing Condobolin Arrive about 10:30-11:00 Condobolin - Landing Cowra Arrive about 12:00 -12:30 Cowra - The Oaks Landing Mid afternoon?

Just back from a very nice 2 hr jaunt - The Oak to a friends place between Yass & Canberra (did not land). Could see forever. Not quite silky smooth but almost. 3C at 5500ft. Averaged 14.5L/hr @ 130 knots true. Lake George was an amazing metallic purple. Great to be alive!😈

Thats fine BrendAn - FYL; A return line does not have to run from/to the engine. Usually T'd in somewhere between the pump & the carburettor(s). 😈

The vapour lock was only an added bonus (not for you) - Save your $$ and put in a return line with a Mikuni No 35 or smaller restrictor jet.😈

Nooooo! Way out of context. The electric Boost/Aux/Back Up/Secondary (whatever name you wish) is ON as a precaution should the Main/Mechanical fail, in whole or part at a critical time in flight ie TO/Climb-Out/Low level opps. Of course it will also be used should the mechanical fail at other times. I have never ever suggested otherwise😈 "My latest xair has a 618 and if I leave the electric pump on too long at idle it overcomes the the needles and starts flooding. Will have to swap for a lower pressure pump or fit a regulator." It may be simpler/less costly to fit a fuel return line (added benefit - will help to remove vaporised fuel). If already fitted - try a larger restrictor jet.😈

I may be mistaken but didnt Rover have a turbine powered car and weren't some tanks similarly powered ??😈

I have one, never used - came with the aircraft. I can only sympathise with those that must endure long cold winters - living near Sydney, Australia, I enjoy a more moderate environment. I still "blank" off part of my coolant radiator & oil cooler when day temperatures routinely go below 25C. After much trial/error I arrived at a good compromise blanking, which I have photographed for future reference. In Cruise I have Oil temp. 90-95C. Coolant/CHT 90C. Climb OUT 100-105C. I find that the engine warm up period (Oil -50C) is well spent on checks, review of plan, etc I use adhesive backed refrigeration aluminium tape. Easy to cut & apply - can leave a residue when removed. Residue responds to most hydrocarbons. Reasons for use - Engine operated in seasonally very cold climates eg. N. America, UK, N Europe etc Speeds warm up. Reduced fuel consumption & frustration. Certainly important in cold climate opps but more of a perception benefit, in warmer climates May maintain even engine temperatures on descent - assist with carburettor ice prevention (if fitted) Reasons against - Significant added complexity = more to go wrong = heightened risk. From memory, at lest 4 additional joins in oil supply hose. All things mechanical will fail. Increased weight. Probably a minor concern however every minor increase adds up. Cost. Depending on arm length & depth of pockets, may or may not be an issue.😈

NOTE: My comments are with reference to Rotax naturally aspirated (carburetted) engines. Fuel injection is a whole diffrent ball game. The Boost Pumps primary purpose is to ensure fuel supply to the carburettors at times of potential or actual high engine power demand, when a loss of power may result in crash. Its secondary function is to prime the fuel supply system to ensure a "good" engine start. The latter may include hot starts where vapour lock is a potential or suspected 😈

Nope - no effect on engine performance ie engine still receiving a sufficient fuel - remember pressure , in this context, is a secondary indicator of supply - the engine runs on volume not pressure.. It can only be an anomaly of my fuel distribution system or some inherent fault in the pressure sensing. IF the pressure is actually dropping , as indicated, the engine is somehow still receiving sufficient volume of fuel to keep functioning normally.😈

So northerly direction from Canberra - how does that fit the prevailing winter wind direction? I guess it will depend on the prevalence/location of the low/high pressure systems at that time and luck😈.

Hi AntekinCanberra, I have fantasised about such a trip for years. Not sure from your post, if you are looking for Pax and / or other aircraft to join your safari??? I have my own aircraft, so would be "flying in company". From where and when do you plan on departing? Do you plan a clockwise/anti clockwise rout ?😈