RV-12: Cold Weather Flying

[Ollie]

Grand rapids Tech.(GRT) sells a fitting that has a temp sensor and fits fits in the water line. I have had water temp display since day one in my Rans S7S.

[Geico266]

I added a 2" strip of tape down the inboard side of the radiator, and added my top plate to block off the radiator about 50% and went flying this am. OAT's were 5F. Tomorrow is suppose to be -15F, I'm gonna fly to a breakfast and see how that works.

CHT's 200F
Oil Temps = 200F

Cabin was comfortable, with a few new drafts I found coming from the wing roots. I do not have the gap seal installed yet.


This is good to know that you can fly when it is zero F outside comfortably, for me anyway. Some of the best scenery and smooth air is in winter.

[Geico266]

This am it was -7F. Went to a fly in breakfast and back, about an hour round trip. Very comfortable when you push the engine to 5500. The engine produces more heat and the cabin temps were comfortable with coveralls on.

CHT's 210
Oil Temp 210

The -12 is an all weather flyer!

[JBPILOT]

Do you know the oil hose I.D. on the 12 ? Thinking about an oil temp thermostat.

Thanks,

John Bender

[rvbuilder2002]

I am pretty sure the oil hoses and related fittings are AN-8 size which should be 1/2" I.D. hose.

[E. D. Eliot]

Van's should come up with a kit that will standardize a water temp hook up to the Dynon. I certainly wouldn't mind paying for this add-on. Peace of mind is what the $s would buy. Hope that they will consider this seriously.

BTW, Larry - great picture - I don't know much about that 'white stuff' that's in the picture but it is beginning to look like I will learn - as I am being TAXED OUT of my home state (TAXYAFORNIA). Can't stand the political climate here anyway.

[BigJohn]

E. D.,

Agree with you on the sensor. Be glad to pay for it.

Don't move to New York, we're in worse shape!

JP

[Phantom30]

Like to revive this subject...has Van's kitted anything to address this issue?

Ditto on California....consider Prescott, AZ; weather much like Redding, CA

[bruceflys]

Come to Florida, where the standard RV-12 heater is more than adequate, on the rare day that heat is needed. I am a refugee from CA (30 years in Bay Area, based at KOAK). FL has no income tax and only a 6% sales tax (tourists pay the bills for us). In addition to great WX, the state has dozens of residential airparks where $350K will buy a nice house with a 50' X 50' hangar.

[PilotBrent]

Keeping the -12 warm in flight is just one of our challenges in winter. Wearing cloth gloves while removing the fuel cap is NOT recommended. Slipped out of my hands on the weekend and added an ugly dent on the trailing edge of my flapperon. Did I say winter sucks BTW.