Pitot tube selection?

Joe Casey · Post by **Joe Casey** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:18 pm

I am about to start the wings on a quick build -9, and need to decide on a pitot tube... plan on daytime VFR type flying, and was wondering whether or not to go with aftermarket or Vans system.. any thoughts?
TIA... Joe Casey

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:29 pm

Hi Joe,

I am planning the same type of flying airplane, and selected Van's SS tube. It's stone simple, and has worked for many RV's for many years.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:31 pm

Day VFR, I would do the Vans tubing one.

CJ

Post by **bullojm1** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:36 pm

Joe-

If it's straight up VFR you plan on flying, nuttin' is simpler (or cheaper!) then the Van's pitot setup! Chad did it this way and documented it here: http://chadandbrittne.com/September%202 ... 204-06.htm

The only exception I would make is if you are interested in Dynon's AOA (Angle of Attack) system. They have a nice pitot ( http://www.dynonavionics.com/images/AOA ... heated.jpg ) that interfaces with the D10, D100 and D180 EFIS's that will display you angle of attack with an extra tubing run from the pitot.

If you want to play it safe, leaving yourself with some options down the road, SafeAir1.com sells the cheapest pitot mast at a little under $50 ( http://www.safeair1.com/index.htm ). Gretz ( http://steinair.com/pitot.htm )sells one too that is removable, but that will cost you about double of the safeair1 model.

Now that I have thoroughly confused you with too much information, I will make it easy again. If you are set that your plane will be VFR only and never have a Dynon AOA, do it the Van's way. If there is any doubt and you want to add some weight to your bird and spend some money, but leave your options open, get the SafeAir1 mast if you want the mast non-removable, or the Gretz mast if you want to take it off and not run into it for the many years your wings could be sitting in the garage

I am building an IFR bird, so I went with the Gretz mount with a heated Dynon pitot tube.

Post by **bullojm1** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:38 pm

Jeeze Chad and CJ -- Too cold in the garage's to work tonight?? 3 posts to Joes questions in 7 minutes!

I know its too cold for me....but I am working on cooling my body temp with some every so sweet malted beverages!

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:39 pm

I don't have anything to work on bud!

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:57 pm

I was gonna do some work on my plane, but we had a few on the way home from school tonight.

Soooo, I am watching Christmas stories on youtube!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsqcPFUYzYI&feature=user

Larry the cable guy. Git 'er done!

CJ

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:59 pm

...and the furnace in my shop KICKS BUTT!!!

Thanks for asking though!

CJ

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 11:04 pm

With it still at 40 degrees here at 10pm, I could get my garage up to operating temp in no time...but there's that small detail of not having any parts to play with...

Post by **bullojm1** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 12:05 am

captain_john wrote:...and the furnace in my shop KICKS BUTT!!!

Thanks for asking though!

CJ

My shop has 92,000 BTU's of heating power.....30 to 70 degrees in 15 minutes! However, my beer prefers cooler climates

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 7:55 am

92,000? 92,000?

I got that ...and then some!

I think we are now WAAAAAY

and this conversation is getting

I really need to use this smilie

...and some should

Anyways, JOE! Did we answer your questions and then some?

Sorry for all the hoo hahhh and side banter, but Chad is a bad influence on Mike and I.

to the forum!

Let us know if we can help out in any way.

CJ

Post by **Spike** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 9:55 am

It really comes down to if you want heat or not. That is generally the hardest decision.

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 11:21 am

captain_john wrote: Anyways, JOE! Did we answer your questions and then some?

Sorry for all the hoo hahhh and side banter, but Chad is a bad influence on Mike and I.

Just the two of you??? Man, I need to work harder!

Sorry...back to pitot tubes!