lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> To summarize my experience and the observations of others - 1. WLS primer (and perhaps others) is conducive to the formation of "particle" induced static. Is it because its epoxy based? No one seems to know why. 2. A variety of paints, such as PPG clear coat/base coat, is not particularly sensitive to "particle" induced static. 3. A properly bonded and grounded static wick system can be successful in eliminating or supressing all forms of in flight static. Unfortunately, it would be very diffucult to install such a system in a completed 320/360. Such a system should be considered for a plane under construction, depending on the builder's mission profile. 4. Most instrument flights that painted 320/360s are reasonably and safely capable of will not experience serious static problems. This means flights ascending or decending thru clouds, flights between layers, flights thru light rain and flights avoiding thunder storms, lightning and icing. 5. Some conditions, such as smoke particle filled air, ice crystals, light snow and mist (clouds) can produce irritating particle induced static. This is usually relatively short term and can sometimes be dealt with by changing altitude. 6. Prior to Lightning, some clouds may build positive or negative potentials which may be discharged by the aircraft skin and which may be extremly disruptive to some electronic devices, such as autopilots, GPSS devices, AOA devices etc. This weather condition may be widespread. I had this rare experience occur in the clouds at between 9 and 13 thousand feet, between 2 and 4 degrees C and in very unstable air, but with non-threatening tops below 18000, scattered cumulus rising above that and occasionally punctuated with heavy rain. The induced disconnection of the autopilot (and in one case, opening an AP internal fuse), was subtle and without warning. The first disconnect left me in a banked decending unusual attitude with a difficult recovery because AP usage had deteriorated my scan. Some reccomendations in preparing for in-flight IMC electrical disruptions: 1. Every half-hour, shut off the autopilot, re-trim the airplane and hand fly it for five minutes. 2. If you have devices which produce audio information, such as AOA, make sure you can pull its circuit breaker or that you have installed an on/off switch to eliminate erroneous audio information. Scott Krueger.N92EX LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.