Return-Path: Received: from [65.33.87.62] (account ) by logan.com (CommuniGate Pro WebUser 4.0.5) with HTTP id 1996269 for ; Thu, 23 Jan 2003 19:53:22 -0500 From: "Marvin Kaye" Subject: Re: [LML] Flying the IVP To: lml X-Mailer: CommuniGate Pro Web Mailer v.4.0.5 Date: Thu, 23 Jan 2003 19:53:22 -0500 Message-ID: In-Reply-To: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"; format="flowed" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Posted for "Jack Cowell" : Carl- The Therma-Wing system (NASA-tested and partially NASA-funded electrically-heated leading edge panels and prop blades) is progressing well albeit slower than they'd like. The alternator, heater panels and computer controller have all been through multiple development stages and should complete final flight tests next month. Everything has performed as designed in the NASA icing tunnel and on the bench. But, as we all know all too well, the test bench ain't the same as the aircraft. As you may remember, their prototype heaters and energy delivery system were tunnel tested on a Lancair Columbia wing section and the single engine prototype aircraft is a IVP. With a little luck and some favorable weather (it's been much too cold in the Cleveland area to find any ice for weeks), the system should be flight tested and finalized in March. It may also be on display at Sun 'n Fun in April along with the DC-powered air conditioning system that the new second alternator makes practicable. Too bad their de-icing system has been so long in coming, but the indications are that the end result will be worth the wait. In other words, it works. By the way, regarding your icing experience, the NASA test pilots who have done literally thousands of hours of lab and flight testing on this system and icing in general ALL believe that ANY de-icing system is at best a "get=out-of-jail" card. Their advice is when you see ice, execute the deviation plan you already had formulated. We all have one of those after hearing the FSS icing forecasts, right? This is particularly true in the case of freezing rain which can overpower ANY system including those of airliners. So rather than wait around wondering if the kind of ice that is accumulating is lethal, their message is "When you see it, take action right away to GET OUT OF IT." Climb, descend, turn around, but take immediate action or have an iron-clad reason not to deviate. That, these wise and very accomplished pilots say, is the ONLY WAY TO DEAL WITH ICE. Fly safely.