On 9/30/02 12:40 PM, "Carl Pattinson" <carl@flyers.freeserve.co.uk> wrote:
>
> Hi Folks,
>
> As the day of our first flight draws nearer (permit to test applied for), we
> have been having some thoughts about the possibility of landing gear up.
>
> OK so it shouldnt happen but everybody knows that if it can, then it will.
>
> We now of at least one Europa owner who lost his prop because he forgot to
> lower the undercariage and we are sure there are many more who kept quiet
> (lets face it its not something one admits to !).
>
> Anyway whether it is a real risk or not we thought it might be a good idea
> to build in some added insurance and wondered if anybody else has been there
> before.
>
> A recent trip to Maplins came up with a nifty door alarm which costs a mere
> 5.00 and activates an ear shattering scream (110db) when the magnet is
> moved away from the alarm box (about the size of a packet of cigarettes). If
> the idea works we may remove the reed switch out of the box to save space
> (and move the box to somewhere out of the way). Incidentally the power
> supply is 2 AAA batteries.
>
> Our simple solution was to attach the magnet to the gear retraction arm (on
> top of the armrest/ wheelwell next to the locking latch) with the alarm unit
> resting beside it and then wire in a microswitch so that the alarm is
> powered up when the throttle lever is closed (or partially closed - some
> trial and error required here)
>
> If the throttle is closed and the gear is not locked down the alarm will
> sound (there is also a flasher). Sounds simple, so where's the catch.
>
> If anyone has a better idea please let us know.
>
> Carl Pattinson
> G-LABS
>
>
>
>
I installed (and recommend to other Europa builders) gear up stops. It is a
simple matter to redux/araldite 3/16" aluminum L shaped material to each
side of the swing arm. The horizontal faces of the L material contact
phenolic or plywood blocks reduxed/araldited to the inner vertical surfaces
of the center tunnel. This will prevent the tire from coming into contact
with the components in the tunnel when in a neg g maneuver, turbulence, and
should likely keep stuff from getting torn up in a soft gear up landing. It
is not that heavy and is really cheap insurance that could prevent an
otherwise expensive or time consuming repair. It will not keep the prop
strike from happening but at least it's an improvement.
kp
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