From: "Marvin Kaye" <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Re: Sterling Ainsworth accident
To: lml
Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2006 23:55:37 -0400
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Posted for "John Barrett" <2thman@cablespeed.com>:

  What about a pitot heat auto switch that is programmed to turn off above 34
  degrees, say and come on at about 33 degrees?  I always wondered why one
  wouldn't do this.
  
  Although I have been DRRRAAGGGGIIIIINGGG out the building process of my IVP,
  that is one of the ideas I have incorporated.  The sensor is a TI unit that
  sits in the well next to one of the main gear legs.  Hopefully, it will know
  to turn the thing on at the right time and shut it down the remainder of the
  time.  There is a three position switch - manual off, manual on and
  automatic.
  
  I have burned up about two or three pitot heaters in my Beech Sierra due to
  forgetting to turn the thing off after a flight and having it overheat on
  the runway while taxiing.
  
  Any comments?
  
  Regards,
  John Barrett
  
    _____
  
From: Lancair Mailing List [mailto:lml@lancaironline.net] On Behalf Of
  VTAILJEFF@aol.com

  The pitot tube is blocked due to icing.  The windshield may be iced over as
  well, blocking all outside references even if the airplane does break out
  into VMC.