Experimenter

January 2014

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/247918

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can get around from one side of the fuselage behind the wing without crawling under. Keith can walk around the front of the plane inside the hut, so only one front door is needed. Because the hut is inside his hangar, it is protected from wind and rain. The top plastic tarp is used to protect the hut from condensation droplets off the metal beams of the hangar caused by temperature changes outside. Keith built a small platform to hold parts and tools in the warm area. It also serves to protect the wing from damage. With a small 1,000-watt electric heater as a heat source, Keith said the hut stays above 60°F inside when it is zero outside. (Incidentally, he has the brake rotors blocked so a flat tire doesn't tear open the insulation or damage the wings.) Now for the caveats. Because the hut is sealed, that creates some serious restrictions. Never heat with combustion, such as with a torpedo heater or propane burner. Because such heaters are not vented and should not be used in a sealed area, you would risk carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Also, it's important to be careful with the use of solvents or paint removers. Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) fumes are extremely hazardous for humans (particularly one's kidneys). Many quick-acting paint removers use MEK, which attaches itself to your red blood cells much like CO. It can be deadly. Check all solvent can labels. Also, make sure you do not have any gasoline seepage or leaks. Otherwise these fumes could become concentrated in your small-volume hut, just waiting for a spark to touch them off. If you can smell gas, ventilate and remove the gas leak. Small electric space heaters should not cycle, as their thermostats arc. Common sense is always a homebuilder's best tool. The panel in mid remodel. A tarp on top of the hut prevents any condensation off the metal roof from dripping on the hut. HINTS FOR HOMEBUILDERS VIDEOS HERE'S MORE OF THE 400-PLUD VIDEOS AVAILABLE ON WWW.EAA.ORG/ Overview of Bolt Torque Issues Dave Clark from the Vintage Aircraft Association and an A&P; instructor at Vincennes University, provides an overview of issues associated with either under or over-torquing a bolt, including torque wrench usage. Overview of Two-Stroke Carburetor Operation Brian Carpenter of Rainbow Aviation discusses the theory and operation of the Bing 54 carburetor used on two-stroke engines. Brian is an A&P;/IA, a DAR for LSA and E-AB, sport pilot instructor examiner, CFI, and EAA Tech. Counselor and Flight Advisor. Removing and Replacing Avionics Dick Koehler shows how to remove and then replace avionics from the instrument panel. Dick is a Technical Counselor for EAA Chapter 186, A&P; aircraft mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA), and a SportAir Workshop instructor. Checking Propeller Blade Track Improper propeller blade tracking can cause excessive vibration. In this video, Dick Koehler shows a simple method to check blade track. EAA Experimenter 25

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