From: RWolf99@aol.com
Message-ID: <7b.8755569.26cea0f8@aol.com>
Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 10:23:52 EDT
Subject: Cowl Latches
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Mime-Version: 1.0

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Pine -

I have seen Lancairs with a zillion screws holding down the cowling, and 
while they look pretty I can't imagine a system less likely to make me want 
to look inside.  I plan on using quarter-turn fasteners, such as Camlocs or 
the equivalent product from Skybolt fasteners.  Talking to Lancair flyers at 
Oshkosh, the overwhelming preference was for stainless steel hardware rather 
than cadmium plated steel.

However, I don't plan on removing the cowling for a preflight.  I expect to 
just peer through the tiny little oil dipstick door, where I can at least see 
that the engine is still there, but not much more.  Just like every other 
plane I've flown.

You might look at those aircraft where the upper cowl is hinged along the 
center, so that you can, in effect, essentially lift up half of the cowling.  
Another option is a huge oil dipstick door, similar to a Cessna 150 only much 
bigger.  I've never seen this on a Lancair but it wouldn't be a bad idea.  If 
you do this, I'd recommend some sort of brace to hold it open (the oil door 
on my 150 slams down in the slightest breeze) and substantial bracing 
(doublers) around the open hole.  Just make sure that the pressure plenum for 
engine cooling is not compromised by the hinge (i.e., seal it up).

Good luck.  I know these comments have not been too helpful, but that's all 
I've got...

- Rob Wolf
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