Pitot help!

vmirv8bldr · #1 07-31-2006, 02:13 PM

Anyone have any experience installing Cessna "step-down" pitot tubes on an RV?

By "step-down", I'm referring to the part that goes into the mast and is held in by four screws. Apparently, some pitot tube mounting areas are straight and slide into the streamlined mast tube. Others have a "step-down" so the pitot tube sits flush when installed in the streamlined mast.

Speaking with Warren Gretz, his brackets fit the straight shaft type, but not the step-down type, although with some custom shimming, one can make it work.

Thanks,

Jamie · #2 07-31-2006, 02:39 PM

I modified my Cessna pitot to make it work. I paid $80.00 for the pitot, which was much better than the $900+ pitot that was available at the time. Haven't flown yet, but I suspect it'll work just fine.

See pictures here.

N941WR · #3 07-31-2006, 08:35 PM

You mean like this:

Check out the wing page of my web site for more info.

DGlaeser · #4 07-31-2006, 08:55 PM

I got a used Cessna Pitot tube on Ebay. It is the step-down type per your description. I made my own mount from steel airfoil tubing I got from ACS. That tubing is an exact fit for the Cessna Pitot.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...streamline.php
(part number 03-11700)

vmirv8bldr · #5 07-31-2006, 10:41 PM

Ah Yes, the good ole' belt sander trick. I have one of those. Very useful for getting those square pegs into round holes!

Oddly enough, I hadn't thought of that. Actually, from my talk with Warren I was thinking that the widths were different not the depth. In either case, sounds like this is a minor fix, nothing to worry excessively about.

Thanks for the replies guys!