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peter.sokolowski writes:
I am installing a heated pitot and static port on my 360 and asking myself
whether the airframe can cope with the heat produced by these things...
Peter,
I'd mount the pitot on a boom to get it into clean air, and to keep it from
close proximity to the glass skin. You could also mount the static port on
an embedded AL disk to help dissipate the heat. Although these things get
quite hot on the ground--and the typical A/C unit will burn out quickly if
left turned on when not flying--they are much cooler in fight where the
airflow carries the heat away much more quickly. I also installed a caution
light on my panel to indicate that the pitot heat was on--to be sure I
turned it off when not needed. Also, if you have your static port on the
side of the airplane, I'd consider whether a heated port is needed at all.
Recall that effectively no air "passes through" the port, so there is almost
no way for it to collect ice in this area in flight. I believe you'll be
well over weight and on the ground long before that area of the airplane
collects any ice! If, on the other hand, you have a combined pitot/static
probe, get it away from the airplane into clean air and you should thereby
also fix the potential overheating problem.
Hope this helps.
Bob Pastusek
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