I am about to install the pressurized door seal on my unpressurized LIV.  .

 

For my aircraft, I wonder if the mating silicone tape that is bonded to the door frame is truly required.  The greatest delta P I can imagine across the door is about 0.3 psi, far short of the 5.5 psi of the pressurized aircraft.  I can see that the silicone tape may be required to hold the door seal in place against the pressurization forces, but it seems like overkill for the unpressurized aircraft.

 

Earlier discussions suggested reducing the air pressure from 20 psi to about 11 psig (if I recall correctly) to extend the seal lifetime.  This was for pressurized aircraft.

 

Questions:

 

1)     Can I eliminate the silicone tape on the door frame and let the seal seat on the paint of the door frame?  Eliminating the silicon tape would save a step and provide a cleaner installation.

2)     Can I further reduce the required pressure?  I would think I could go to a low pressure (say 5-8 psi), flight test, raise it a bit if I get a leak, test again, etc.

 

Any of you non-pressurized guys have any advice or recommendations?

 

Thanks,

 

Fred Moreno