|
|
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
<< Lancair Builders' Mail List >>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
A couple of random questions - After reading this you may conclude that I
should spend more time building and less time thinking, I suppose...
I have an ES project (epoxy/glass structure, epoxy/graphite ailerons and
elevator).
1. The main gear is not connected to anything but glass fiber - non
conductive. The battery(s) will be in the back, so I was thinking about
grounding the steel gear legs to the ground wire. Is there any other use
for the gear legs? Antenna? Back in Iowa it was said that we used every
part of the pig but the squeal, so I thought there must be some use for
these big steel things - besides holding the plane up, of course. The plane
will have a steel step, also glassed in - com antenna?? It sort of
resembles a bent whip antenna 29 inches long - about the right length, isn't
it?
2. I wonder if the control rods should also be grounded to prevent static
buidup from surprising the pilot.
3. Static discharge wicks on the epoxy/graphite (conductive) control
surfaces? I was thinking about running the ground wire from the battery out
the trailing edge of the wing, connecting jumpers across the aileron hinges
along the way (the hinges aren't electrically attached to the skin, so
something has to be added there).
There was a IV that had a lightning strike recently - if faired
pretty well, but it has a conductive fuselage and wings. It ended up with
damaged but not welded rudder hinges, so you could say it survived okay.
Naturally, adding static discharge capability doesn't prevent a lightning
strike, but it may help. One thing that bothers me is that the fuel tank
vent line is metal and it could maybe arc to the fuel level sender and
possibly ruin one's day.
Anybody out there with any experience? Knowledge? Suggestions? Comments?
Gary Casey
ES project, wings complete
LML website: http://members.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html
LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair
Please remember that purchases from the Builders' Bookstore
assist with the management of the LML.
Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
|
|