Frans,
I didn't see anyone post an answer so take it from a guy who has built
and flown a half dozen Tri=gears.
The hole gives you 100 square inches of air exit, greatly improving
cooling. Maintenance is a snap on the nose. Go to Aircraft Spruce and
use the fire wall material kit to completely fireproof the opening. I
use the firewall material and seal all the edges with stainless just to
dress it up.
As far as the speed penalty, if I can still get 140 kts with a 914 at
75% power at sea level with a tri-gear. I don't see a down side. I've
flown other tri-gears with the standard firewall and they all have
cooling issues and do not go any faster.
As for me...Leave the hole and run cooler.
Bud Yerly
Custom Flight Creations
US Europa Dealer
www.customflightcreations.com<http://www.customflightcreations.com/>
(813) 653-4989
----- Original Message -----
From: Frans Veldman<mailto:frans@paardnatuurlijk.nl>
To: europa-list@matronics.com<mailto:europa-list@matronics.com>
Sent: Friday, September 05, 2008 11:57 AM
Subject: Europa-List: This gaping hole (nose gear)
<frans@paardnatuurlijk.nl<mailto:frans@paardnatuurlijk.nl>>
I'm building a tri-gear, and cut out the bottom of the fuselage for
the nose gear per instructions. Apparently, the idea in the manual is to
leave it as is. What are the aerodynamic properties of this hole? is it
sucking air out of the well, or is it building pressure?
I just closed it, by installing a plate in the nose gear system. If
the nose gear activates the spring, the plate opens with it since it is
attached to the frame. Normally it just blocks off this hole.
Of course I hope that it will be beneficial. Has someone else been
closing this hole as well? If so, was it beneficial?
Frans
Visit - www.EuropaOwners.org<http://www.europaowners.org/>
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avigator?Europa-List>
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