Sealing the nose (wintertime subject)

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have a link that demonstrates a method to close up the inward airflow around the canard torque tubes?

Regarding the concern of binding about where the tube enters the fuselage, has anyone ever seen the installation  of any type of "tube" (perhaps a layer or two of BID) that passes from the instrument panel forward that could separate the pilot's legs from the forward air?  A "tube" that would be continuous with the passenger compartment but separate from the air in the nose?  If this could be constructed, it seems that a small heater at the feet would be more effective...

Of course, the first start is to seal all known leaks, but once this is done?

[ezbuilder]

Some builders have used the cozy style offset canard fittings to eliminate the
elliptical motion. CSA had an article about how to do this mod. That seems
to be the most successful solution.

I have also heard of neoprene and other types of boots
used to seal the stock hole. Have to watch out for ice binding the
elevators! There are various CSA articles that deal with the boots.

[ezedon]

I am building a VariEze and have thought briefly about this problem. My first approach was going to be looking at something along the lines of the gearstick sealing technology. ie a tapered flexable bag that is attached by velcro to the inside of the fuse at one end and the other end is secured around the elevator tube.. I have looked in detail yet if this is possible but for what its worth this is my plan of attack when the time comes.. The most important to keep in mind however is that whatever is done cannot foul up elevator travel..


Don

[NWade]

You might have a problem with a tapered cloth/leather bag (aka "shift cover") leaking air, since it may be tough to seal the bag to the elevator tube.  

Some cars (like my Miata) have a second "shift cover" underneath the first one.  Its made of rubber and is pleated so that it can lie almost flat on the driveline tunnel; yet still allow the shift-lever to pivot and move a small amout.  

Did a quick search online and came up with this picture (from a Mustang):  
http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/topline/03.jpg

Here's a pic from a Miata:  
http://www.eatricezone.com/miata/shifter/11.jpg

Upside is that the rubber boot is going to intrude into the footwell a lot less than a big leather/cloth bag boot...

Downside to going this route is that the rubber cover will put some "centering force" on the tube; and it only has a limited amount of travel (I don't know how oblong the hole is, since I don't own an EZ yet *sigh*) - the tube should be able to twist a fair amount, its just the offset / oblong translation of the part can't be more than 1.5" or 2" with a Miata shifter.  A big Chevy or Mustang inner-shift-boot will probably be bigger.

Take care,

--Noel

P.S.  In response to the first post:  A "tube within a tube" would be neat - but might make maintenance tougher; and you still have to have a hole or slot in the enclosure for the swing-arm that connects the elevator tube to the control-stick, wouldn't you?

[Tom]

One thing that I have done to keep my VE warm is to completly seal the cockpit/canopy ,, and then I force air in the back of the aircraft,, this sort of pressurizes the cockpit and air actually "leaks out" of the elevator tubes..

I was flying yesterday at -26C and no problems!!  :lol:

Tom

[Anonymous]

how a bout a boot from a rack-and-pinon* my old toy,supra had a boot on it 12" long by about 2 "wide. mabe just vlcrow that on

i have a cozy 4 and was looking for that same thing.  my gap is small.
when i made the off sets i fit them to the fus to get a good fit,but the planes said leave lose for ice and or build a cover to keed the water out as i did both,and will hope to learn a cure from you all
(a post in the canard avation would be nice so the rest of the builders can do it......ty )

[pushyhog]

use pressure seal booth for 4 seat pressurizes lancair, but tom's idea is the best for u an the cheapest way to go. u can get pressure booths from aircraft junk yards.

[Anonymous]

Seal everything else so the air can't get out of the cockpit and the torque tubes won't let air in. I found this out on a very cold flight by stuffing a towel between my legs and the instrument panel to block the cold air and and my feet got warmer.