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-   -   Winter Flying In The RV-12 (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=94422)

Peterk 12-23-2012 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newamiga (Post 727776)
Guys I figure I will ask this thread since it appears to be related.. how cold is too cold to fly? I don't mean being comfortable in the cockpit but rather for the Rotax and the carbs. I ask this because a friend and CFI was flying a Rotax powered low wing two winters ago. She took off when it was about -5 ambient temp in Denver. The wind chill dropped it below that. She took off, went once around the pattern and did a low approach over the runway. A bit more than halfway down the runway the engine quit. She was able to get it onto the runway and stopped. The A&P suggested that the severe cold weather contributed to the carbs inability to properly operate. There was no other mechanical issue found.

Not trying to derail the discussion but I am curious how cold others are flying their RV-12's? Living here in CO, we get our share of colder days. I like the rest of you love to fly in the colder air in the winter in my Rotax powered Gobosh while trying to endure the temps to continue the build.

Carl


Per the Rotax manual....Max (120F Ambient) Min (-13F Oil Temp)...start or operate. I only know because our ambient can get near the 120 on those rare occasions.

Pete

Geico266 12-24-2012 07:23 AM

I've flown the -12 at -7f, but that is after preheating the engine and oil to 40F. I preheat below 30f. There is plenty of warm air from the radiator, oil cooler, exhaust system to keep inside the cowel area warm. Remember, the air intake is on the back of the engine so it is getting "warm" air.

RGaines 12-25-2012 04:40 PM

Heater temp
 
Thanks. That helps a lot. I am just finishing the Service Bulletin and doing a condition inspection at the same time. We are including a number of mods at the same time. Moeller fuel gauge, heater baffle, oil cooler moved forward, AOA, vernier throttle, and baggage compartment bulkhead mod.

Richard
120002

Dvalcik 12-25-2012 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RGaines (Post 728188)
Thanks. That helps a lot. I am just finishing the Service Bulletin and doing a condition inspection at the same time. We are including a number of mods at the same time. Moeller fuel gauge, heater baffle, oil cooler moved forward, AOA, vernier throttle, and baggage compartment bulkhead mod.

Richard
120002

Your going to love the vernier throttle - I did all of the mods you did as I built. I went EAB from the start, but the throttle is great & so smooth!

Enjoy it.

JBPILOT 12-26-2012 02:52 PM

CURRENT REPORT - -
 
Just got home from flying. Shoveled a foot of crusty snow away from the door. The airport does good, but can't get closer than a foot or two. Was ( -6C ) on the surface, and ( -10C ) at 3500'. Brought the CHT's up to 210 degrees with my Heater Damper Door. Was very confortable. TOTAL overcast, so only the heater was warming things. Could see for miles, but no sun !

John Bender

the_other_dougreeves 12-26-2012 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geico266 (Post 727848)
I've flown the -12 at -7f, but that is after preheating the engine and oil to 40F. I preheat below 30f.

Preheat is important for the 912 series. It is also quite easy to do. A pair of hot pads on the block and oil tank is cheap and easy, and will probably help get you to / beyond TBO. There are other systems that work better at preheating, but cost more.

TODR

JBPILOT 12-26-2012 07:32 PM

I use the - -
 
Reiff pre-heat ( about $225 I think ), and it works great. I keep it plugged in all the time, and cover the nose with a packing blanket. If I turn on the display, the ENTIRE engine is 90 - 95 degrees. No warm up time required. Just taxi and go.

John Bender

Dave12 12-26-2012 07:41 PM

The Reiff rules! I recently started using the Pilot Portraits Cellphone switcher. I call the PP switcher a few hours before I fly and it all works great. Saves a lot of fuel on warm up.

Geico266 12-26-2012 07:48 PM

I use the Geiger Pre heater. ;)




Works great, cheap, adds no weight.


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