Had an interesting learning experience this AM that might provide some insight on an oft discussed topic.... After takeoff in my slider -6, as speed increased, I immediately noticed a strong draft on the back of my neck that had never been felt before. After climbout and level off, the draft persisted. I tracked it to be coming from the slider slot and from an opening I have in the bagage compartment aft bulk head.
Hmm never felt that before - further investigation revealed that the right side canopy aft holdown "spike" was not seated in the poly block and there was a considerable opening in the right side canopy side skirt.
After slowing down, reopening the slider and then reclosing it properly -all drafts went away. It seems that a well sealed canopy precudes "Tail pumping" drafts and even any noticable draft from the slider rail (I am not using the plastic slider seal). I also have no disernable draft coming from the stick boots (and have not installed aileron push tube cloth seals).
Take care to have well sealed side and aft skirts and it appears un-wanted drafts are minimal. No place for air to get in or out of the "sealed" cockpit - makes sense!
Hmm never felt that before - further investigation revealed that the right side canopy aft holdown "spike" was not seated in the poly block and there was a considerable opening in the right side canopy side skirt.
After slowing down, reopening the slider and then reclosing it properly -all drafts went away. It seems that a well sealed canopy precudes "Tail pumping" drafts and even any noticable draft from the slider rail (I am not using the plastic slider seal). I also have no disernable draft coming from the stick boots (and have not installed aileron push tube cloth seals).
Take care to have well sealed side and aft skirts and it appears un-wanted drafts are minimal. No place for air to get in or out of the "sealed" cockpit - makes sense!