Frans, I understand your question now.
I prefer to enclose the bottom, and make a convenient hole about 6X10
inches for access to the now empty wheel cavity. I have made many
cockpit modules with access covers on the top and have still found an
access hole in the bottom convenient for maintenance.
Not to open a bucket of worms, some are concerned about cockpit
stiffness in this area in the event of an accident, and my feeling is an
enclosed bottom, reinforced with 1/8 inch foam and two additional
layers of glass, is a light weight and strong reinforcement for forward
cabin stiffness. Next, I prefer not excessively cut down the module as
the center beam from the engine mount to the floor and sides is somewhat
compromised in the event of a frontal accident. However, if you do,
please do enclose the mono hole and consider extra glass on the flange
for the cover and make the glass flow down the side of the module. I
personally make the cover and flange of about 6 layers to ensure
stiffness. I don't believe in just whacking out the cockpit module and
letting the cockpit sides be your only longitudinal stiffness. The poor
cockpit floor has to accept a lot of stress in the event of an off field
landing in a tri-gear. As the nose wheel digs in, God forbid, the
tendency of the nose to be bent down will buckle the floor with a cut
down module.
As for the firewall, it is time well spent to remove the stainless
firewall and enclose the nose gear duct hole with a light ply bulkhead.
The ply bulkhead will increase cockpit module stiffness in an accident
(as stated above). Put fire shield in the top, back and sides and you
can sleep easy. It makes for a cooler engine compartment, easier gear
inspection and maintenance, and should you need to add a heater off your
oil cooler, it is much easier access. Should you need quick access to
tighten oil cooler lines or look for drips, it's a God send.
Bud Yerly
Custom Flight Creations
(813) 653-4989
----- Original Message -----
From: Frans Veldman<mailto:frans@paardnatuurlijk.nl>
To: europa-list@matronics.com<mailto:europa-list@matronics.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2008 5:44 PM
Subject: Re: Europa-List: This gaping hole (nose gear)
<frans@paardnatuurlijk.nl<mailto:frans@paardnatuurlijk.nl>>
I was referring to the hole in the bottom. It appears you are talking
about the hole between the nose gear and the engine, where we are
supposed to install this stainless firewall thing.
You didn't quite answer my question then, but introduced a new idea
about leaving the firewall out and make a duct out of this well, is this
correct?
Too bad I just installed this stainless thing, AND closed the entire
bottom of the tunnel section, including the part where the nosegear
protrudes to the outside world...
Frans
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