Forwarded message, from John Wigney,
<johnwigney@worldnet.att.net>
*******************************************
> <<<<<Has anyone added an inspection hatch to the firewall in front of P1
> to allow
> access to the rear of the panel ?
> It strikes me as being the obvious solution, but there are implications
> about structural strength and fireproofed-ness.
> If anyone has any info, or better, plans that have been approved, I
> would
> appreciate knowing about them.>>>>>
>
> FWIW, I have a 6 in. high x 10 in. wide hole in the centre of my
> firewall. This gives me access to the panel and permits me to connect up
> the multi-pin connectors provided by my panel builder and all the pitot
> static tubing, etc.. Without that, it just would not work. I know that
> many other builders have done something similar. To cover the hole, I
> made a lightweight flanged cover out of stainless steel sheet (the same
> stuff as provided for the undercarriage firewall panel). This cover is
> about 4 in. deep and is retained by washer screws and anchor nuts. I
> seal the flanges with high temp silicone seal.
>
> I have no idea about the structural strength implications, but I believe
> that region is quite lightly stressed. The flange from the firtewall to
> the bottom of the windsceen provides a lot of rigidity in that area.
>
> I know that we in the US do not have the more stringent PFA approval
> steps and wish you luck.
>
> Cheers, John
|