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How to preheat my engine when away from home?
Since I only have about 20 hours on the Barrett engine rebuild I'm extra sensitive about preheating right now. It's no problem at home, but traveling seems to be a different story.
A few weeks ago, we flew into Telluride. The FBO happily preheated me for a fee. As I was preflighting I noticed outlets on the ramp--it turns out I could have plugged in there for free--it didn't even occur to me to ask. This weekend I'm headed to Denver Centennial (KAPA). The lady on the phone at Jet Center didn't think they could preheat a piston airplane. That seems surprising to me, but it's not supposed to be that cold on Sunday afternoon so no big deal. What do you guys do? |
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How remote ?
If you are really out there( On a frozen lake) build a wood fire a good safe distance from your RV. After you have an ember bed with no flames, pull the RV ahead and let the hot air rise through the cowl exit. A large blanket helps.
Not recommended at an FBO Or if you want to spend some money, there are large foldable solar panel units like a large blanket(s) you can lay out on your wings, with enough watts to power a ceramic 12V "HORNET" heater. Aircraft Spruce used to sell a wide array of Hornet Heaters in various voltage and outputs. They have a safe high temp limit. |
Wait....is this the same theory that you can throw a lit cigarette into a bowl of gasoline and it will not ignite?.......most of the time? :eek:
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I have a 120V oil pan heater on my plane and would carry a 100' extension cord with me if I were flying somewhere cold. I've seen people use an electric hair dryer, too.
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Long Extension cord, blanket for cowling (and survival) and a paint removing heat gun.
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I just installed a sump heater for cold mornings in south Georgia. Most days, it is not needed but when I travel to visit family in PA, it will be plugged in a couple hours ahead of my crank-up time.
< $32, at the moment. When at home base, it will be turned on remotely via this power strip that can be controlled with a phone app over the internet. Each outlet is individually controllable. |
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