I am preparing to install the wing ribs on my -14A project. Planning ahead for wiring and pitot line routing through the ribs brought me to the question as to where to place my pitot tube. I have read many threads on this subject and have a pretty good idea of pros and cons for the most used options.
My two preferred options:
(1)If I place the pitot in the plans location just inboard of tie down eyebolt, there will be no issue with tie-down ropes contacting the pitot tube. However, with this option it does make possible future maintenance of the connection fittings a little more difficult due to the aileron bellcrank assembly and torque tube locations. I know many builders have gone this route and had no problems.
(2)If I place the pitot just outboard of the tie down eyebolt, there are definite concerns with tie down ropes coming in contact with the pitot tube. However, it does appear to make for a "cleaner" install and future possible maintenance. The pitot line connecters would be easily accessible from the access panel for the aileron bellcrank assembly.
I don't have much light airplane flying experience so I'm not that familiar with the frequency in which the airplane actually gets tied down. Reading others posts, it appears some do not put the wing tie down eyebolts in place until they are actually needed.
Long story short, I prefer option 2, but don't like the tie down issue. So here's my dumb idea.
If I use tie down eyebolts that are approximately 4.5" long, that would, for most cases, allow the tie down rope to clear the pitot mast. Of course these eyebolts would only be installed when needed and removed prior to flight.
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This is a mockup of my preferred location. The rule with the blue tape simulates the tie down eyebolt. Here the bolt would be approximately 4.5"
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This shows the tie-down rope clearance when the ramp tie down point is approx. 7.5' from the wing eyebolt.
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This measurement shows the distance of the pitot tube from the bottom surface of the wing. I would consider cutting my pitot mount off by 1" which would give additional clearance.
I wasn't sure the actual height of the wing bottom to the ramp, but after looking at pictures it appears to be about "thigh high" on most people. I used 34" for my setup.
Additionally, one issue that this setup may have is increased force on the tiedown bracket (riveted to spar web) due to the lengthened eyebolt. However, under those type of loads, would the bolt bend before damaging the bracket? That's for someone much smarter than me to figure out.
Practical or not? Don't worry about offending me
