Bugs

[Snappy]

Nothing like a good day of killing bugs to relax a man!  Now to get them off the leading edges and canopy.  Anyone have the 'best' way to get the critters off?

I've used Pledge spray wax, comet non-abrasive bathroom cleaner, spit and 409.  Everything but the Pledge has to be waxed over before your next bug-squashing flight or the damn things weld to the leading edges!

[Dave in Eugene]

I use 409 or simple green on the leading edges and pledge on the glass..

I like to have 2 bottles and rags around so I can hand one to my passenger when we land...kinda fun to do it together...and so much better to go after them while they are still juicy.

Dave

[Jack]

Nothing like a good day of killing bugs to relax a man!  Now to get them off the leading edges and canopy.  Anyone have the 'best' way to get the critters off?

!

One fine day I hit some serious bugs on final.  The Long felt a little strange and I didn't really check the leading edges well.  It was a quick pit stop from the West coast to the East.  On takeoff it felt like I had rain on the damn canard and really had to yank it off.  Did a stall series and it was right on the numbers.  Next stop checked the canard leading edge and found lots of dead bugs.  A well waxed Long just takes a clean rag to wipe them off.  Up removal of the bug remains the bird went back to normal flying.

Cheers;

Jack

[Kilo42]

This may sound funny, but here is what I use and it works like no other.  Take some "Bounce" sheets from your laundry room , wet'em and clean away.  Takes bug guts off just about anything with extreme ease.  Also leaves a fresh scent:)  Works great on your car too....

It does not work as well on the carbon spots or exhaust marks on your prop.  I use a stove top cleaner used on glass top ranges for that.



Kilo42
Long Ez N81HM

[Drew]

I tried your technique with the bounce sheet----and it works better than anything else I have tried.

[Snappy]

Regarding carbon and exhaust on your prop, if you have a 2 blade, clock it at the 1 & 7 o'clock position and your problem should be solved, per Gary Hertzler of Silver Bullet fame.  Keeps your prop cool and out of the exhaust plume too!

[LongEZDriver]

I read the "bounce" sheet ideas and thought I would give it a try on my car which went too many miles in too few days through too many bugs.  I just had time to do the windshield, but want to say that the bounce sheets worked really great.  
Cheap, easily obtained, works great.  That is what this forum is designed for.
One suggestion: rinse the sheets throroughly before using, or you will get a really messy soap film, which you will then have to use additional water to clean off.  I will let you figure out how I know that.

Thanks again for the tip.

Regards to all
Harry Thomas
LE 104EZ, Chino, CA

[easyrider]

If you keep the Long well waxed I found a wet rag as soon as you land works as good as anything, don't let them dry out.
Easyrider

[Snappy]

You're right!  The wax really helps and I've been using your method for almost 4 years now.  But, if you don't wipe them off right away, they weld themselves on to the leading edges and then I use warm water.

But for me, the Bounce works best so far.  They just disolve and I carry a damp hand towel to take off the residue.

[ramseyk86]

What kind of wax do you use? Don't some contain petroleum distilates that might damage structure?

[Snappy]

Carnuba car wax has always worked well to protect the finish and keep her shinin' and slick.

[Lowlevldevl]

What's Bounce?

[Snappy]

Bounce is a brand name for your clothes dryer fabric softener sheets that your wife/girlfriend uses to keep your dirty socks smelling better.

[Lowlevldevl]

Uh huh! Its probably called something else over here.

[eric r]

It's "Bounce" in AU also! Good for cleaning burned pots, and maybe a musquito repellant too. I use them in the airplane while in the hangar to keep varmints away ... spiders, mice, wasps, etc. Just toss a couple on the floor or in the baggage door, or in the tail cone, or under the panel ... has worked for me for years; must be some nasty stuff! Now I'll try it as a wing cleaner!