Message-Id: <s656a67e.042@YCC.COM>
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1998 11:39:06 -0600
From: "Bill Gradwohl" <Bill@YCC.COM>
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Subject: Theft Protection
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The keyless entry devices don't pass the KISS test. They have been problematic on cars at ground altitudes temperatures and pressures. At aircraft altitude, battered by high winds, low pressure and low temperatures, I don't think they'd last more than a few flights, if that, if they are externally mounted.

Internally or externally mounted, I presume that a mechanical lock would still be present on the outside in case of malfunction or if the batteries in the remote sending unit died. That then does nothing for security, and simply becomes a convenience to unlock the door without the key adding the complications of a solenoid to the locking mechanism.

If the keyless entry device is to also function as an alarm with audible alerts, then its usefulness is again in question because we've all become deaf to those annoying noises over the years. Considering how often car alarms go off accidentally, hooking the ELT [LOJAC for aircraft:)] to the alarm signal probably wouldn't be a good idea. 

Yes - I know the ELT isn't really LOJAC for aircraft, but ...

Has anyone put a key operated fuel cut off in line with the fuel system?  For those with header tanks, wouldn't there be enough gas available to take off and then run out of fuel if one were to forget to turn on the flow? For those without header tanks, what effect would the valve have on the engine driven fuel pump if the engine were cranked with the valve closed? Is there any chance of damaging seals or other components?

Bill Gradwohl
IV-P Builder
N858B