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.