Gazelle

[Admin]

Aircraft Type: Gazelle

 

Aircraft Model: CA25N

 

Aircraft Age: 11 years

 

Aircraft Hrs: approx 2200hrs

 

Engine Hrs: 100

 

Post Approved By: Ian

 

My Gazelle has in recent years been using MOGAS unleaded fuel and I have now had to replace the door windows due to cracking. This has been a result of leaving the doors open when refuelling and in the case of overfill some fuel has run down the top of the wing onto the window causing the deterioration of the plastic windows.

 

My recomendation is to ensure the doors are closed when refueling as replacing the windows is not cheap.

 

 

[pylon500]

This also applies to LightWings.

 

Most of us are using Lexan® (Polycarbonate) for windscreens these days, it's tough, foldable and easy to drill, but will react with any form of hydrocarbon.

 

As such, fuel will attack it, making it brittle and prone to cracking.

 

Even a small drip wiped off almost immediately will leave a little 'crazed' spot in a few weeks.

 

Moral; Keep door shut while refueling.

 

Also, most paints contain hydrocarbon solvents, so painting the trim around a windscreen will initiate cracking shortly thereafter. :;)1:

 

Arthur.