butt rib end plate

[jiott]

It seems a lot of guys (including the factory I think) are not bothering to install any cuffs on the fore and aft end of the butt ribs. Their only purpose is cosmetic and to keep out cold drafts. A good tight fit around the carry-thru tubes is only necessary if you want to try to seal out all drafts from this area. Even if you do, there are plenty of other places drafts will come in. Some guys just stuff foam into these areas in the winter.

On mine I fabricated them from 0.012" aluminum sheet and used Hysol to attach the pieces together and to the butt ribs. You have to make your own cardboard templates and fuss with them until they fit to your satisfaction.

To complete a total closeout of the butt ribs you will also have to make some sort of a clear window to go over the fuel sightgauge cutout.

[dc910sn]

Thanks Jim,
I'll give it a try, the foam also sounds good. That link is very
helpful. I also have that option above the doors.
Ted

[Floog]

The 'close outs' do nothing to add functionality or style. The windshield cover s everything. IMHO, a waste of time and materials.

[AirFox]

I agree with Floog. "Waste of time and materials ".

[Esser]

Flying in -25, do I want these cuffs?

[Floog]

I would compare flying a KF in t -25 to driving a '65 VW bug in -25: just about the same experience. The cold is gonna penetrate each. You're just gonna have to dress for it.

About the only thing you can do is cut down on the draftiness. The external leading edge cuffs totally eliminate drafts and weather entering there. Likewise in or around the rear spar attach point. IMHO, the source of ALL drafts is the turtle deck. (Incidentally, I've flown in downpours and the only place I've seen water enter is at the trailing edge of the turtle deck. So far the band aid is a towel laid in the cargo bay w/slits in the bag to let any water out (thanks JB).)

Recent experience: Last night, my daughter and I flew a 2 hour 'dinner' flight: clear and dry, OAT 40F. Beautiful sunset going up (VUO -> CHS), harvest moon rise coming back. Feet and legs toasty w/ the heater fan on. I could feel a light 'vague' draft around my head and neck that I believe is mixed air entering various places in the TD: windshield-turtle deck transition, flaperon holes, and gaps in the fit all combine to create a minor movement of air....I was very comfortable. After I gave her my leather jacket, she was OK, too. Keeping the head warm is the most effective thing you can do..

I'm writing a freakin' book here, sorry...hope it helps. I love this plane! 275 hrs. since May 1st...!

[Flybyjim]

Floog,

Any photos of your plane on this site?

[Paul Z]

The most important thing to flying at -25 degrees C is an engine heater. My Rotax has problems starting if it gets Below 15 degrees C. It will take 45 minutes to an hour for it to warm up if it's -7 degrees C. I know, I've sat in it waiting for it to warm up at -7 degrees C. I ended up putting masking tape over 3/4 of the surface of the oil cooler, so it will warm up. I just recently put in a Reiff system, so this Winter I will be able to fly. I find once it is warm my heater is sufficient to keep me warm, but I rarely fly if it is anywhere close to 0 degrees C. That is tooooo fricking cold for my liking, and living in Dallas Texas it rarely gets below 0 degrees C.

[Esser]

The most important thing to flying at -25 degrees C is an engine heater. My Rotax has problems starting if it gets Below 15 degrees C. It will take 45 minutes to an hour for it to warm up if it's -7 degrees C. I know, I've sat in it waiting for it to warm up at -7 degrees C.

Yeah, up here engine heaters are a given, +5C and below you plug in 2 hours before you fly. Most people have inlet covers for their oil coolers.