Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #62528
From: Gary Edwards <gary21sn@hotmail.com>
Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
Subject: Re: LNC2 firewall
Date: Wed, 04 Jul 2012 13:15:21 -0400
To: <lml@lancaironline.net>
The fire wall mounted doghouse for the nose gear on the 235 airframe is made of aluminum.  Some builders, not many, built a close-off plate that mounts to the nose gear leg at an angle and is held on with a hose clamp, so the slot in the doghouse is closed off when the gear is retracted.
 
Gary
LNC2
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2012 3:13 PM
Subject: [LML] Re: LNC2 firewall

Terrence,
 
There should be a SS doghouse around the firewall opening and, when the gear is retracted, a small door on the leg or other seal that keeps the nose wheel well closed off from the engine compartment.  Of course, if the nose wheel door doesn't seal completely, there is the possibility of getting engine compartment flames into the well that way.
 
If I were to land with an engine fire (unable to turn off the fuel or the oil was still burning), I would do it gear up.  "Why?" You might ask.  Well, extending the gear provides more air for any fire in the cockpit, exposes the nose wheel well to engine compartment flames and, most importantly, belly landings come to a stop more quickly (believe me, I know) without any danger of catching the nose gear and flipping or worrying about crosswinds, braking surface, etc.  Since there is no control on a gear up, the pilot could be opening the canopy, un-belting, climbing out on the wing and all during the slide.................... 
 
Scott Krueger
 
In a message dated 7/3/2012 12:17:38 P.M. Central Daylight Time, troneill@charter.net writes:
Any comments on sealing the big hole in the 235 etc. firewall for the nosegear, when extended or retracted?

Terrence
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