> The following may be of interest to Europa builders who have yet to build the
> instrument panel.
>
> We're working on producing 2mm thick light alloy panels with the 6 main flight
> instrument holes with the associated mounting holes and cut outs for
> altimeters and VSIs already cut. There will probably also be cut-outs for the
> tacho and a 52mm dia hole typically for a boost gauge or fuel gauge in the
> upper right area. An additional hole for a 1" type vacuum gauge will be above
> the centre instrument holes. If I've pressed the correct buttons you should
> be able to see what is proposed in the attachment.
>
> So far we have not had any of these panels made and they were not going to be
> announced until the next newsletter, but as there has been some discussion on
> the subject, it seemed appropriate to let you know what was in the pipeline.
> We most likely will produce panels for the other areas as well.
>
> Best Regards
> Andy Draper
Thanks Andy for this. I have to report that the button pressing wasn't
altogether right as I received four copies !
I have to say that although what you propose is a step forward I have no
intention of leaving that 'hole' in the panel (for the mono lever). My plan
is to cover the whole of the left hand panel (including the lower sub-panel)
with a piece of 2mm aluminium, which has a 90 bend forwards at the bottom to
attach to the existing panel undertray. Then there is considerable
flexibility and of course a line of engine instruments can be put down its
right hand side.
What does the list think ?
My heartfelt wish would be a completely redesigned panel with a flat panel
on the left hand side, and maybe a square box on the right instead of the
sandwich tray :-)
Of course this might not be so attractive to mono owners and I admit I
haven't looked too carefully at how much space the mono lever needs.
As an aside you have drawn the tacho as needing four mounting holes. Isn't
it a mounted from the front item like the remainder of the engine
instruments ? And what diameter hole is needed ? 2 1/4 or 2 1/2 ?
Also the DI needs a cutout in the bottom left corner like the ALT.
Just my twopennyworth.
Richard Holder
Co-owner Kit 51 back on the building course after a 7 year hold.
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