I appeal to the collective wisdom of the assembled experts.

 

At the local SAAA (EAA-equivalent) chapter meeting, I learned that the locals generally use Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) instead of aircraft hydraulic fluid for brake systems and hydraulic systems.  The arguments in favor of ATF are:

 

1)     It is locally available while aircraft hydraulic fluid has to be shipped in from Perth at great expense,

2)     It is cheap.

3)     In many respects it may well be better since automotive fluid and lubrication standards continue to advance while aircraft standards stand still.

4)     It may well have better lubricity for pumps and such.

5)     It is adequate for our mild weather conditions, that is, it never gets below freezing around here. 

6)     For my aspirated Lancair, maximum flight will likely be 14,000-16,000 and it will not be cold enough to cause a problem.

7)     And if it does get cold up there, it will be no colder than Wisconsin in January where automobiles still operate with very cold automatic transmissions.

 

The only question is compatibility with seals in pump, cylinders, etc.   So far the locals have seen no compatibility problems.

 

So I ask – what to you think? 

 

To ATF or not to ATF, that is the question….

 

Fred Moreno AKA

Captain Tuna, Chicken of the Skies