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  #1  
Old 03-31-2011, 06:50 AM
hevansrv7a's Avatar
hevansrv7a hevansrv7a is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Detroit, MI
Posts: 1,587
Default Correcting Static Port - asking advice

I may have installed my static ports too far forward (one whole bulkhead's distance). Or perhaps it is the fittings. I used the ones Van's provided in the kit - the ones like big pop rivets.

My IAS is quite accurate at around 90 kts, but it gets progressively higher than CAS as I speed up and is around 4 to 5 kts too high at 8000' and 200 mph.

My TAS is accurate because it is GPS calibrated. However, this could be affecting my reported density altitude a little and I'd rather not have to make all the CAS corrections by hand (The GRT only corrects TAS). My OAT is also accurate, I believe.

The instrument is a GRT Horizon and it is IFR certified. I think there is virtually no chance that the instrument is the problem.

I don't get a warning from the system about the GPS-WAAS altitude being too different from the baro altitude, but that does not rule out an error within its limit setting.

Tape in front? Tape behind? File them down? I know Paul Lipps has suggested corrections for other, similar but not identical problems.

So I am asking Paul and others to suggest how to "fix" this. Thanks.
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  #2  
Old 03-31-2011, 07:13 AM
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dmaib dmaib is offline
 
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Location: New Smyrna Beach, FL
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Default

Kevin Horton has published some great information on correcting pitot/static errors in Kitplanes magazine. He also has several posts on this forum about this issue.
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  #3  
Old 03-31-2011, 09:25 AM
elippse elippse is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Arroyo Grande, CA
Posts: 938
Default

Use of cellophane tape to build up immediately behind the port will increase pressure at the port and lower the IAS. Conversely, adding tape in front of the port will lower the port pressure and increase IAS. Jim Smith on his RV-6 had to add a washer cut in half surrounding the port on the back side to reduce his 10-12 mph IAS error. I think it was about 1/16" thick.
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  #4  
Old 03-31-2011, 09:29 AM
Bavafa Bavafa is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 3,344
Default

Long answer version
I had an error in my static port which was affecting IAS and altitude. My static port was flush with the fuselage and after much testing, I added a pop rivet style port and brought it as close as I could get it. I was much more concern about altitude (for IFR reason) then IAS. My tests were mostly around altitude by doing a low pass and comparing the indicated altitude with the field altitude. Before the fix, it would show 80 lower then the field altitude, but once fixed the IAS went down to .7 knot at the low speed and 1 knot at high speed, this was confirm with three way GPS test and also GRT TAS calibration.

Short answer,
I suggest by doing a low pass (just above ground affect) and compare your indicated altitude to the field altitude which you have previously set in your altimeter. If this is all good, then it might be some issue with your pitot tube (less likely though).
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  #5  
Old 03-31-2011, 03:10 PM
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hevansrv7a hevansrv7a is offline
 
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Location: Detroit, MI
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Default Thanks

Paul gave me exactly what I wanted. Thanks to Paul and to everyone for the quick replies.
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H. Evan's RV-7A N17HH 240+ hours
"
We can lift ourselves out of ignorance, we can find ourselves as creatures of excellence and intelligence and skill. We can be free! We can learn to fly!" -J.L. Seagull
Paid $25.00 "dues" net of PayPal cost for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 (December).
This airplane is for sale: see website. my website

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