John's Build

[jrevens]

Here are a few more pictures of the Oratex covering. I'm very slow, but almost through with one wing also. Just started working pretty steady on it again, so the wings should be done fairly soon. I'll post some pictures of those later.

[Dave S]

John,

Nice work on the pitot tube and fabric! I Like it.

I particularily like the re-location of the pitot tube - That is one thing I am paranoid of with our bird - the pitot tube being out where people can easily run into it. I have resorted to stringing some "Crime scene tape" between the PT & some stakes in the ground when parking where people, particularily non pilots, are wandering around aimlessly....

Looks like you have worked in your static port next to the pitot.

On another question for the group - has anyone drilled a moisture bleed hole at the bottom of the elbow of the pitot tube? If so, how has that worked out?

Sincerely,

Dave S

[jiott]

Dave, I didn't drill them myself, but my Dynon pitot tube/AOA assembly has very small drain holes located near the elbow in both the pitot and AOA tube. I think as long as they are much smaller than the tube opening there should be no problem.

[selenski]

John,
It appears that you do beautiful work. I am building a SS 7 too and planning on Oratex covering. Is you entire plane going to be white, or will you be adding and color accents or stripes? I'm way behind you, so this is just dreaming. Keep sending those pictures.
Thanks,
Joe

[jrevens]

Thanks to all for the comments.
Joe - I plan to have some colored trim. I've got some ideas, but haven't designed anything yet. It will be simple and I hope not too plain.

[TahoeTim]

Can the trim colors (also Oratex) be ironed on top of the base color?

[Av8r3400]

Vinyl graphics would probably be much cheaper and easier...

[jrevens]

Can the trim colors (also Oratex) be ironed on top of the base color?

Yes, you can use colored Oratex fabric & glue, vinyl graphics, paint, etc... many options. Oratex also sells their own trim materials in many different colors, in straight tapes & sheets (that can be machine cut to make logos, numbers, etc.).
Any kind of paint is compatible with and seems to adhere to it very well also.

[jrevens]

John,
...
On another question for the group - has anyone drilled a moisture bleed hole at the bottom of the elbow of the pitot tube? If so, how has that worked out?

Sincerely,

Dave S

Dave,
In my experience, I don't think that one is normally needed. There is not, or shouldn't be, any air flow through the pitot system - only pressure. Not only will a drain hole potentially cause moisture to move into the tube, because it fosters air movement into the tube, but if it's big enough to allow drainage it will potentially affect the pressure and accuracy. If it's really tiny, moisture will not drain easily (if at all) because of surface tension.

[jrevens]

It's been awhile and progress has been very slow because of family health issues & my laziness. Finally finished a wing... here are some pictures.