Experimenter is a magazine created by EAA for people who build airplanes. We will report on amateur-built aircraft as well as ultralights and other light aircraft.
Issue link: http://experimenter.epubxp.com/i/134623
Un d e r t h e C o w l bent? What about heat muffs? Stainless steel, high-carbon steel, mild steel, or Inconel? Are slip joints or ball joints necessary for expansion and contraction? How about structural support? Cowling…Keeping It All Under Wraps The importance of a properly fitted and functioning cowl can't be expressed enough. Its functions are many as it protects the engine from the elements, directs the flow of air around and through the engine compartment and its accessories, provides for induction air (allowing for ram air, and/or alternate air and carb heat) as well as an exhaust system outlet, blends the spinner to the airframe, must be structurally robust yet lightweight, has to resist harsh chemicals and heat, must offer easy access to preflight items such as the oil dipstick, and has to look good, being the "face" of the airplane. And it has to do all this without adding drag or other airflowrelated anomalies. Why Are We Building a Plane? When we are done and ready to meet up with an FAA inspector or a designated airworthiness representative, we present a notarized statement that says we built our aircraft for our "education or recreation." For those of us who are truly in it for the education as well as the recreational part (both before and after first flight), may I recommend that you continue your education by way of two books by Tony Bingelis—Firewall Forward and Tony Bingelis on Engines. Each book goes into far greater detail than what I've done here and covers a broader scope of issues. Learning the nuances of installing an engine in a homebuilt aircraft is of great value to any builder, whether following the plans to the letter or charting unknown courses, or even being the caretaker of a plane you didn't build. Both books are available from the EAA bookstore, accessible online or by phone. Visit www.ShopEAA.com or call 800-564-6322. In addition to being the past editor of Experimenter e-newsletter, the current editor and publisher of CONTACT! Magazine, and a regular contributor to KITPLANES, Patrick Panzera is an experienced homebuilder, EAA technical counselor, AirVenture forums presenter, and an instrument-rated private pilot. Tis all-aluminum, direct-drive, small-block Ford stufed into the rear of a Long-EZ is a one-of design built by Gary and Char Spencer. 32 Vol.2 N o.6 / June 2013 Photography by Pat Panzera