¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

ctrl + shift + ? for shortcuts
© 2025 Groups.io

Re: Faro Headset

 

I¡¯ve found that headsets are definitely a ¡°try before buy¡± thing. ?I¡¯ve been a happy Zulu user forever and have purchased many sets, but tried the CQ1 product based on glowing reports like ¡°just as good as¡­¡±. ?While I do not discount the reports of happy users, the performance I experienced what¡¯s nowhere even close to the Zulus. ?In fact, use in my Rocket was essentially useless. ?Lots of ambient noise, and the radio was basically unreadable even with the volume maxed out. ?NOT to impugn the quality of the product nor the support from Scott Card - they were top notch. ?Despite MANY different ear plug types, it just didn¡¯t work for me.
?
Also not a fan of inserting and removing an object into my body that ends up on the floor, glareshield, wing, etc. ?that¡¯s just nasty to me.


Re: Faro Headset

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Since the yearly condition inspection is due AND the hangar environment is rather chilly at the present time, it will be a while before I could tell you if these headsets are comfortable for longer cross-country flights.

DL

On Jan 8, 2025, at 2:11?PM, Joe Norris via groups.io <joepilot13@...> wrote:

Thanks for the pilot report on the Faro headset.? Good info.? While I would never move away from my Zulu 3 (I traded in my worn out original Zulu several years ago and got 200 bucks off the Zulu 3, and I really love it) I am looking for a new headset for my wife and I will consider the Faro.

One question: Since the Faro "looks" like your standard David Clark-type headset, I am wondering if it has the same vice-like clamping pressure on your head like a DC headset does?? DC headsets give me a headache after a while due to their excessive clamping pressure on my head.? The Zulu solves that problem for me, which is another reason I wouldn't give it up.? Just wondering what the "feel" of the Faro is as compared to a DC headzset.

Thanks again!

Joe

On Wed, Jan 8, 2025 at 10:40?AM David Lamphere via <dalamphere=[email protected]> wrote:
My Lightspeed Zulu headset after years of use was showing signs of wear. The battery case lid was not staying shut, headphone wires were worn showing shield wire in several places. Figured I¡¯d spend some money and send it off to Lightspeed for service. Surprise! They no longer service the original Zulu headsets! That¡¯s a bummer.
Looked at alternative (cheaper) headsets and took a gamble that the Faro G2 Active headset would work. It was a WHOLE lot cheaper that a Bose, David Clark headset. Besides, I definitely would not go the Zulu route any more.
Faro has a good 3 year warranty and parts/service support after that.
I would say this turned out to be one of those ¡°Why didn¡¯t I do this in the first place¡± situations.
This headset is comfortable, the Noise cancellation works fine. My Buttercup¡¯s exhaust system is quite loud and the ANR is quite effective. The only change I had to do was to adjust the IC on the V16¡¯s Razor control head and it works great!
Just thought you guys would like to know.
As to Bluetooth capability, I got a Bluetooth to mini plug RX/TX unit (cheap) and set it for RX, plug it into the aux port on the battery box. My iPhone 7 connects to it - no problem.
The mono/stereo selector switch is easy to get at also.


Dave Lamphere

--
Dave
N365ED
Wittman Buttercup







--
Dave
N365ED
Wittman Buttercup


Re: Faro Headset

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Amazing what you learn when posting to the group!
If I had known about this approach, I probably would have spent just a bit more and had an elegant headset!

¡­ next time (if there is one)

DL

On Jan 8, 2025, at 2:50?PM, Doug via groups.io <dsteen563@...> wrote:

I have two, mic?adapter?kits that convert home stereo ANR headphones to aviation headsets and like both.??

?I?have?, adapted to a Sony WH1000? non-aviation headphone and more comfortable than the Bose and Lightspeed that?I have tried.? It is about half the price of a Bose aviation headset and has bluetooth.? $295 plus a Quiet Comfort 45 headphone.? This one?has a switch to convert from bluetooth to corded aviation, which I do when I need to pick up an IFR clearance by telephone.

I also?have a similar product, which is Valerie's go to headset,?, $250 and will adapt to any ANR home stereo headphone that has a 2.5mm plug.? I use it with a Bose Quiet?Comfort 45 headphone. This one requires unplugging the 2.5 mm plug to use telephone bluetooth, which also is effective for getting telephone clearances.



On Wed, Jan 8, 2025 at 1:12?PM Joe Norris via <joepilot13=[email protected]> wrote:
Thanks for the pilot report on the Faro headset.? Good info.? While I would never move away from my Zulu 3 (I traded in my worn out original Zulu several years ago and got 200 bucks off the Zulu 3, and I really love it) I am looking for a new headset for my wife and I will consider the Faro.

One question: Since the Faro "looks" like your standard David Clark-type headset, I am wondering if it has the same vice-like clamping pressure on your head like a DC headset does?? DC headsets give me a headache after a while due to their excessive clamping pressure on my head.? The Zulu solves that problem for me, which is another reason I wouldn't give it up.? Just wondering what the "feel" of the Faro is as compared to a DC headzset.

Thanks again!

Joe

On Wed, Jan 8, 2025 at 10:40?AM David Lamphere via <dalamphere=[email protected]> wrote:
My Lightspeed Zulu headset after years of use was showing signs of wear. The battery case lid was not staying shut, headphone wires were worn showing shield wire in several places. Figured I¡¯d spend some money and send it off to Lightspeed for service. Surprise! They no longer service the original Zulu headsets! That¡¯s a bummer.
Looked at alternative (cheaper) headsets and took a gamble that the Faro G2 Active headset would work. It was a WHOLE lot cheaper that a Bose, David Clark headset. Besides, I definitely would not go the Zulu route any more.
Faro has a good 3 year warranty and parts/service support after that.
I would say this turned out to be one of those ¡°Why didn¡¯t I do this in the first place¡± situations.
This headset is comfortable, the Noise cancellation works fine. My Buttercup¡¯s exhaust system is quite loud and the ANR is quite effective. The only change I had to do was to adjust the IC on the V16¡¯s Razor control head and it works great!
Just thought you guys would like to know.
As to Bluetooth capability, I got a Bluetooth to mini plug RX/TX unit (cheap) and set it for RX, plug it into the aux port on the battery box. My iPhone 7 connects to it - no problem.
The mono/stereo selector switch is easy to get at also.


Dave Lamphere

--
Dave
N365ED
Wittman Buttercup









--
Dave
N365ED
Wittman Buttercup


Re: Faro Headset

 

Keith,

Thanks for the info.? I used to be totally against in-ear headsets.? Never liked anything stuck in my ears.? But then I ran into problems shooting my rifles with over-the-ear hearing protectors, so I got a set of in-ear hearing protectors.? Worked great for shooting, and after some experimentation, I got them to feel pretty comfortable.? Then I found out about in-ear monitors for my music sound system.? Those also use "ear buds", so more in-the-ear stuff.? I have become totally accustomed to having these things in my ears, so I guess it is time to maybe rethink the in-ear headset for flying.? I know several people who share your opinion on these, so maybe I will take the plunge.

And you are right about opinions on headsets.? Like anything else, we all have our personal likes and dislikes.? As for me, I could never get comfortable with Bose aviation headsets.? Didn't like the way they fit my head, and really didn't like the sound of them.? I know others swear by them. But I really LOVE my Lightspeed Zulu 3.? As mentioned in my previous post, I had an original Zulu which I loved but finally wore out.? It was pretty much falling apart.? Lightspeed took my worn out Zulu on trade for a then-new Zulu 3, which is what I still have.? The Kevlar cord is amazing.? So totally flexible and strong.? And they fit and sound great (according to me).

I had (Well, still have actually) some really nice passive Peltor headsets that I occasionally use for guests, and they are still my favorite non-ANR headsets.? The ones I have are no longer produced, and that makes me sad because they are worn out now and I would replace them in kind if I could.? But since I have now gotten used to my ANR Zulus, I doubt I would really ever go back to passive again.? A person gets spoiled!

Anyway, thanks again for the heads-up on your in-ear headset.? Gonna check them out for sure.

Joe


On Wed, Jan 8, 2025 at 2:40?PM Keith Klos via <kloskeith=[email protected]> wrote:
Joe,
?
As we all know,? there are a lot of different feelings about headsets.? Here is one more opinion.? ?For years I used an old headset that I had converted to ANR with the Headsets Inc? conversion package.? I still carry it as a back up.? I have also have flown with Bose and Zulu and they are all good.? ? I just didn't like the head clamping on long cross countries.? ?I also did not like to have anything inside my ear so for years did not try those types.? BUT now for at least 6 years I have been using one of the in ear sets because I discovered that you can get a smaller size in ear plug that was comfortable for me because I have smaller ear canals.? ?Sooo I am now using this one: ?? ? I absolutely love them.? I my humble opinion they are almost as quiet as a Bose and no clamping over the head.? The speaker is NOT in the ear like some other in ear headsets but rather the sound travels down the small tube.? It is crystal clear and the mic is also good.? ?It is my go to headset.
?
A side advantage is that they are manufactured by Scott Card who is in Texas and flies an RV so he and his wife are airplane folks like us.? Anyway they are not for everyone but it is now what I wear all the time.? ?They also have a blue tooth version for connecting to your phone.??
?
Keith


Re: Faro Headset

 

Joe,
?
As we all know,? there are a lot of different feelings about headsets.? Here is one more opinion.? ?For years I used an old headset that I had converted to ANR with the Headsets Inc? conversion package.? I still carry it as a back up.? I have also have flown with Bose and Zulu and they are all good.? ? I just didn't like the head clamping on long cross countries.? ?I also did not like to have anything inside my ear so for years did not try those types.? BUT now for at least 6 years I have been using one of the in ear sets because I discovered that you can get a smaller size in ear plug that was comfortable for me because I have smaller ear canals.? ?Sooo I am now using this one: ?? ? I absolutely love them.? I my humble opinion they are almost as quiet as a Bose and no clamping over the head.? The speaker is NOT in the ear like some other in ear headsets but rather the sound travels down the small tube.? It is crystal clear and the mic is also good.? ?It is my go to headset.
?
A side advantage is that they are manufactured by Scott Card who is in Texas and flies an RV so he and his wife are airplane folks like us.? Anyway they are not for everyone but it is now what I wear all the time.? ?They also have a blue tooth version for connecting to your phone.??
?
Keith


Re: Faro Headset

 

I have two, mic?adapter?kits that convert home stereo ANR headphones to aviation headsets and like both.??

?I?have?, adapted to a Sony WH1000? non-aviation headphone and more comfortable than the Bose and Lightspeed that?I have tried.? It is about half the price of a Bose aviation headset and has bluetooth.? $295 plus a Quiet Comfort 45 headphone.? This one?has a switch to convert from bluetooth to corded aviation, which I do when I need to pick up an IFR clearance by telephone.

I also?have a similar product, which is Valerie's go to headset,?, $250 and will adapt to any ANR home stereo headphone that has a 2.5mm plug.? I use it with a Bose Quiet?Comfort 45 headphone. This one requires unplugging the 2.5 mm plug to use telephone bluetooth, which also is effective for getting telephone clearances.



On Wed, Jan 8, 2025 at 1:12?PM Joe Norris via <joepilot13=[email protected]> wrote:
Thanks for the pilot report on the Faro headset.? Good info.? While I would never move away from my Zulu 3 (I traded in my worn out original Zulu several years ago and got 200 bucks off the Zulu 3, and I really love it) I am looking for a new headset for my wife and I will consider the Faro.

One question: Since the Faro "looks" like your standard David Clark-type headset, I am wondering if it has the same vice-like clamping pressure on your head like a DC headset does?? DC headsets give me a headache after a while due to their excessive clamping pressure on my head.? The Zulu solves that problem for me, which is another reason I wouldn't give it up.? Just wondering what the "feel" of the Faro is as compared to a DC headzset.

Thanks again!

Joe

On Wed, Jan 8, 2025 at 10:40?AM David Lamphere via <dalamphere=[email protected]> wrote:
My Lightspeed Zulu headset after years of use was showing signs of wear. The battery case lid was not staying shut, headphone wires were worn showing shield wire in several places. Figured I¡¯d spend some money and send it off to Lightspeed for service. Surprise! They no longer service the original Zulu headsets! That¡¯s a bummer.
Looked at alternative (cheaper) headsets and took a gamble that the Faro G2 Active headset would work. It was a WHOLE lot cheaper that a Bose, David Clark headset. Besides, I definitely would not go the Zulu route any more.
Faro has a good 3 year warranty and parts/service support after that.
I would say this turned out to be one of those ¡°Why didn¡¯t I do this in the first place¡± situations.
This headset is comfortable, the Noise cancellation works fine. My Buttercup¡¯s exhaust system is quite loud and the ANR is quite effective. The only change I had to do was to adjust the IC on the V16¡¯s Razor control head and it works great!
Just thought you guys would like to know.
As to Bluetooth capability, I got a Bluetooth to mini plug RX/TX unit (cheap) and set it for RX, plug it into the aux port on the battery box. My iPhone 7 connects to it - no problem.
The mono/stereo selector switch is easy to get at also.


Dave Lamphere

--
Dave
N365ED
Wittman Buttercup






Re: Faro Headset

 

Thanks for the pilot report on the Faro headset.? Good info.? While I would never move away from my Zulu 3 (I traded in my worn out original Zulu several years ago and got 200 bucks off the Zulu 3, and I really love it) I am looking for a new headset for my wife and I will consider the Faro.

One question: Since the Faro "looks" like your standard David Clark-type headset, I am wondering if it has the same vice-like clamping pressure on your head like a DC headset does?? DC headsets give me a headache after a while due to their excessive clamping pressure on my head.? The Zulu solves that problem for me, which is another reason I wouldn't give it up.? Just wondering what the "feel" of the Faro is as compared to a DC headzset.

Thanks again!

Joe


On Wed, Jan 8, 2025 at 10:40?AM David Lamphere via <dalamphere=[email protected]> wrote:
My Lightspeed Zulu headset after years of use was showing signs of wear. The battery case lid was not staying shut, headphone wires were worn showing shield wire in several places. Figured I¡¯d spend some money and send it off to Lightspeed for service. Surprise! They no longer service the original Zulu headsets! That¡¯s a bummer.
Looked at alternative (cheaper) headsets and took a gamble that the Faro G2 Active headset would work. It was a WHOLE lot cheaper that a Bose, David Clark headset. Besides, I definitely would not go the Zulu route any more.
Faro has a good 3 year warranty and parts/service support after that.
I would say this turned out to be one of those ¡°Why didn¡¯t I do this in the first place¡± situations.
This headset is comfortable, the Noise cancellation works fine. My Buttercup¡¯s exhaust system is quite loud and the ANR is quite effective. The only change I had to do was to adjust the IC on the V16¡¯s Razor control head and it works great!
Just thought you guys would like to know.
As to Bluetooth capability, I got a Bluetooth to mini plug RX/TX unit (cheap) and set it for RX, plug it into the aux port on the battery box. My iPhone 7 connects to it - no problem.
The mono/stereo selector switch is easy to get at also.


Dave Lamphere

--
Dave
N365ED
Wittman Buttercup






Re: Faro Headset

 

I have always used Headsets Inc headsets, Quality is far better than David Clarks and they fit better. About half the price of Bose. I still have my original one I bought about 40 years ago. I sent it back just one time and that was just to upgrade to Bluetooth. Best headset I have ever had!

John Haedtler

On Jan 8, 2025, at 9:40?am, David Lamphere via groups.io <dalamphere@...> wrote:

My Lightspeed Zulu headset after years of use was showing signs of wear. The battery case lid was not staying shut, headphone wires were worn showing shield wire in several places. Figured I¡¯d spend some money and send it off to Lightspeed for service. Surprise! They no longer service the original Zulu headsets! That¡¯s a bummer.
Looked at alternative (cheaper) headsets and took a gamble that the Faro G2 Active headset would work. It was a WHOLE lot cheaper that a Bose, David Clark headset. Besides, I definitely would not go the Zulu route any more.
Faro has a good 3 year warranty and parts/service support after that.
I would say this turned out to be one of those ¡°Why didn¡¯t I do this in the first place¡± situations.
This headset is comfortable, the Noise cancellation works fine. My Buttercup¡¯s exhaust system is quite loud and the ANR is quite effective. The only change I had to do was to adjust the IC on the V16¡¯s Razor control head and it works great!
Just thought you guys would like to know.
As to Bluetooth capability, I got a Bluetooth to mini plug RX/TX unit (cheap) and set it for RX, plug it into the aux port on the battery box. My iPhone 7 connects to it - no problem.
The mono/stereo selector switch is easy to get at also.


Dave Lamphere

--
Dave
N365ED
Wittman Buttercup





Re: New to Forum, looking for 169WH or 393RC owner

 

Mike, I'm in cincinnati and I'm about a month shy from getting my tailwind faa inspected. I'd be interested myself in anyone around our area, aoura ind not too far, who would be willing to take me up so I can feel the flight characteristics. Have you found anyone close?


Faro Headset

 

My Lightspeed Zulu headset after years of use was showing signs of wear. The battery case lid was not staying shut, headphone wires were worn showing shield wire in several places. Figured I¡¯d spend some money and send it off to Lightspeed for service. Surprise! They no longer service the original Zulu headsets! That¡¯s a bummer.
Looked at alternative (cheaper) headsets and took a gamble that the Faro G2 Active headset would work. It was a WHOLE lot cheaper that a Bose, David Clark headset. Besides, I definitely would not go the Zulu route any more.
Faro has a good 3 year warranty and parts/service support after that.
I would say this turned out to be one of those ¡°Why didn¡¯t I do this in the first place¡± situations.
This headset is comfortable, the Noise cancellation works fine. My Buttercup¡¯s exhaust system is quite loud and the ANR is quite effective. The only change I had to do was to adjust the IC on the V16¡¯s Razor control head and it works great!
Just thought you guys would like to know.
As to Bluetooth capability, I got a Bluetooth to mini plug RX/TX unit (cheap) and set it for RX, plug it into the aux port on the battery box. My iPhone 7 connects to it - no problem.
The mono/stereo selector switch is easy to get at also.


Dave Lamphere

--
Dave
N365ED
Wittman Buttercup


Re: At what cold weather temp do you stop flying?

 

Syracuse to Ottawa charter in a Navaho. Cold in Syracuse but minus 45 in Ottawa. All day on the ground in Ottawa, airplane in heated hangar. Clear sky, no wind.?
Overnight with Twin Comanche in Watertown NY. Minus 30 or colder. Fuel selector/drain frozen. Fixed that, took off, no heat. About an hour to Pittsfield MA with no heat and inadequate clothing.?
I did Grand Forks overnights for a year. Minus 40 a lot but company car was plugged into block heater at hotel. I would jump in the car with just a sweater on to go to the store. Instant heat.?
?Beech 18 is interesting. The warmest the engines ever get in really cold weather is the middle of the yellow arc.?

On Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 04:02:49 PM MST, Don Norris via groups.io <danorrisfly@...> wrote:


Sometime around 1974, we flew the C195 to just NW of MPLS for Christmas. When we were due to depart, it was -30F.? Yuo need to prop the radial engine through before starting - Dad and I both hung on the prop blade and could not move it.? We pointed a kerosene torpedo type heater at the engine via a trap, turned on the Southwind gasoline heater in the cabin to warm the 5 gallons of oil under the panel, and replaced the frozen/shattered battery. About 2 hours later we were able to start the engine and get into the air. That was one short takeoff roll. The rest of the trip was uneventful, and it was well above freezing when we got back to KLAW.

On Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 at 9:31 AM, Michael Robinson via groups.io <toobuilder1@...> wrote:

After reading all these responses I probably shouldn¡¯t mention the New Years Eve flight I did at sunset in Chandler - wearing shorts and a t shirt.
?
That said, Mojave does get into the teens at times but that does not prevent me from flying. ?wind - that¡¯s a different story.


Re: All Composite W10 anyone???

 

Hey Mike I'm out of the country and mostly off the grid. Im thinking they are gas welds. I'll post pics of some critical places once I get back and you guys can be the judges.? I was also planning on having a certified welder come take a look...


Re: At what cold weather temp do you stop flying?

 

Sometime around 1974, we flew the C195 to just NW of MPLS for Christmas. When we were due to depart, it was -30F.? Yuo need to prop the radial engine through before starting - Dad and I both hung on the prop blade and could not move it.? We pointed a kerosene torpedo type heater at the engine via a trap, turned on the Southwind gasoline heater in the cabin to warm the 5 gallons of oil under the panel, and replaced the frozen/shattered battery. About 2 hours later we were able to start the engine and get into the air. That was one short takeoff roll. The rest of the trip was uneventful, and it was well above freezing when we got back to KLAW.

On Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 at 9:31 AM, Michael Robinson via groups.io <toobuilder1@...> wrote:

After reading all these responses I probably shouldn¡¯t mention the New Years Eve flight I did at sunset in Chandler - wearing shorts and a t shirt.
?
That said, Mojave does get into the teens at times but that does not prevent me from flying. ?wind - that¡¯s a different story.


Re: All Composite W10 anyone???

 

Couple of random thoughts:
?
Are you SURE the welds are unairworthy, or are you applying an incompatible standard of reference? ?Gas welds do not ¡°need¡± to be a stack of dimes to be structurally sound. ?Might suggest having another set of eyes on it before scrapping the fuselage. ?

Unless you are doing an absolutely optimized carbon structure, it¡¯s extremely unlikely that you are going to come in lighter than the steel tube and fabric. ?No way you are doing the Rutan style moldless composite lighter. ?No way. ?Burt used that method because it was easy to make complex shapes and iterate - not because it was light. ?


Re: At what cold weather temp do you stop flying?

 

After reading all these responses I probably shouldn¡¯t mention the New Years Eve flight I did at sunset in Chandler - wearing shorts and a t shirt.
?
That said, Mojave does get into the teens at times but that does not prevent me from flying. ?wind - that¡¯s a different story.


Re: New to Forum, looking for 169WH or 393RC owner

 

Please call me 2524148349 so I can plan a visit.


Re: New to Forum, looking for 169WH or 393RC owner

 

No, I am not directly related, I am from Quebec and we have a lot of Tremblay


Re: At what cold weather temp do you stop flying?

 

Keith, tape is not a good idea on the cowl, if it comes loose will be ingested?and may become a fire hazard.? Whatever you use besure it is well secured.? Farmer John


On Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 8:30?PM John Downing <farmerjohn36x@...> wrote:
leaky heater, In the Ole days a spoon or two of pepper would stop a leak, too much would stop the heater and radiator.? Farmer John

On Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 5:41?PM Tom Siegler via <tmsiegler=[email protected]> wrote:
Well if nothing else it's easy to find the air leaks!


On Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 4:24 PM, Joe Norris via
<joepilot13=[email protected]> wrote:
Some of the craziest, stupidest, wildest things that we do, we do because it ends up making a good story afterward.? Or at least that is what I have come to use as the excuse!

On Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 4:18?PM Christian Bobka via <blamebobka=[email protected]> wrote:
Great story! ? The day before I was to set off from Long Island to drive to Texas for the start of the spring semester at the university of Texas at Austin, the heater core in my 67 Chevelle sprung a leak.? I disconnected the hoses at the engine block and drive down with no heat (or defroster).? Before long I was driving the 1600 miles in my sleeping bag and the car had a clutch! ? I had to either scrape the frost from my breath off of the inside of the windows or drive with the windows open.? What a dumb ass I was but at least I have a good story to tell. ?lol.?

On Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 11:51?AM Joe Norris via <joepilot13=[email protected]> wrote:
Your post caused me to flash back to what was probably the coldest I have ever been in an airplane.? I worked for Sonex Aircraft LLC back in the days when they still had the "Light Plane Expo" in Sebring, FL.? John (Monnett, Sonex founder and president) decided that he wanted to take an airplane down to Sebring for the event rather than just setting up a booth.? Foolishly, not fully considering the fact that the Sebring event is in JANUARY, I volunteered to fly the airplane to Florida rather than having to disassemble and trailer the plane down.? (There might have been alcohol involved in that conversation.)

So, here I am, ready to start out for Sebring in the uninsulated, unheated Sonex Aerobatic prototype (which was powered by the prototype AeroVee turbo engine).? Did I mention that this was in JANUARY?? It was cold.? I mean COLD.? I think it was about 10 degrees, but felt even colder in the wind and snow flurries that morning.? I thought I had enough clothes on, and I planned on the nice bubble canopy of the Sonex acting as a bit of a solar heater for me.? Well, the sun went behind a high overcast, and I didn't have enough clothes on!

My first fuel stop was Bloomington, IL.? I was numb.? I fueled up the airplane, then sat in the FBO for about half an hour to soak up some of their glorious heat.? But not wanting to let the airplane cool off too much, I finally forced myself to get back in the air.? I ended up landing at Marion IL for my overnight stop.? They had a heated hangar I could put the airplane in, and as soon as we got the airplane into the hangar and I realized I was done flying for the day, I started shaking uncontrollably.? I had to sit down for about 10 minutes before I could stand and walk.? Can you say hypothermia??? When I got to the hotel I just turned the heater up as far as it would go and sat right in front of it until the shaking finally stopped.

The next morning it was a balmy 20 degrees when I left Marion, but I was heading south so I gradually got into warmer air and survived the trip (after spending two days in Selma AL to wait out the weather).? Man, I hope I am never that cold again!? It was brutal!!? We were smart enough to just leave the airplane in FL after Sebring, so we rented a hangar at Lakeland and I flew the airplane over there after the Sebring event and didn't fly it back to WI until after Sun N Fun.

I am not a fan of cold!!

joe

On Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 10:42?AM Tailwind14855 via <Tailwind14855=[email protected]> wrote:
Two different ways to go for oil temp. Regulate the flow of oil with a fuel shutoff valve connected to a control. Or regulate the flow of air either into or out of the cooler with an airflow valve.?
My cowl flap is stuck in the mid position, no power to servo. As a result my CHT runs a bit high on takeoff and a bit low in cruise. It takes at least 20 minutes to get my oil to 180, even at 50 degrees ambient.?
I really like the cowl flap. Useful even in the hot weather at higher altitudes.
I miss the ski flying even though I don't like the cold.
I flew an open cockpit one of a kind homebuilt at 10F. A short flight, well prepared. I left Syracuse area with the Pitts, 10F for takeoff. Stopped for the night in Jacksonville area, 40F there. The next year I was prepared with snowmobile suit and battery powered electric socks. NO HEAT in the Pitts.

On Monday, January 6, 2025 at 08:27:48 AM MST, Jim Schmidt <jim47ex@...> wrote:


You guys are way more resilient than I am. 35 to 40 and Sunny are my temps. I only put one heat exchanger on my exhaust sytem when I built my RV6. Food for thought for you Tailwind? builders. If you are going to fly in Winter in the north you? will want more heat. Sun helps a lot with the RV canopy.





-------- Original message --------
From: "Joe Norris via " <joepilot13=[email protected]>
Date: 1/6/25 8:02 AM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [TailwindForum] At what cold weather temp do you stop flying?

Keith,

Interesting that you should post your question today, as the Polar Vortex has just swept into Texas.? Jeri and I spend winters in TX to avoid this cold BS!? It is 24 degrees here in Fredericksburg TX this morning, so I figure most of the native Texans are frozen solid.? Jeri and I finally put our long sleeve shirts on.? Anyway, to the point of your question....

My answer is "it depends".? If I am just wanting to go out flying for fun, I usually use 20 degrees F as my cutoff.? It's not that the airplane really would care, but I just don't enjoy the cold and getting the airplane out and back in just lets heat out of the hangar.? So I just say the heck with it if it is below 20.? However, if I have a "mission" that needs accomplishing, I will just do what I have to do.? The Super Cub has a pretty good heater, at least for the front seat, and if I tape up enough of the cowl inlets I can keep the oil temp up to around 160 or so, so I will do what I need to do.? Haven't had the Tailwind long enough to know if the cabin heat is worth a darn or not, and if I play my cards right I will never have to find out!?

I remember that I had to take a friend to pick up an airplane one time when it was about -20F, but the Piper Pacer I had at the time had an excellent heater so away we went.? He wasn't so warm on the way home in his new-to-him Skybolt though.? But that kind of mission is pretty rare for me, so I doubt I would have much reason to fly if it is that cold outside.? 20 is plenty cold enough for me!

Hope everyone has a great 2025!!

Joe

On Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 7:36?AM Keith Klos via <kloskeith=[email protected]> wrote:
Hello All,
I am curious as to how cold it gets before you stop flying.? ? I have a really good heater in my plane and I think I have flown it down to about zero F but unless I have a specific mission,? I normally don't fly when it gets below about10 degrees F.? What do you do?? ?This is not really a post about how to start your cold engine or about preheating as I am going to assume we all preheat when it gets cold.? ? It has been cold in Wisconsin the last week or so.? I flew last Thursday and it was about 18 degrees F and all was fine other than oil temps only got to about 160 degrees.? CHTs were around the 300 degree mark.? ?
?
I have contemplated using some blue "painters tape" to partially cover the cowl inlets (would remove after each flight)? but have resisted putting any tape on my cowl.? ?I used to use duct tape on my Tripacer and have flown it to -15 F with no problems.
?
Just curious.? ?Winter flying can be very enjoyable.? Let's all have a great 2025!!
Keith


Re: At what cold weather temp do you stop flying?

 

leaky heater, In the Ole days a spoon or two of pepper would stop a leak, too much would stop the heater and radiator.? Farmer John


On Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 5:41?PM Tom Siegler via <tmsiegler=[email protected]> wrote:
Well if nothing else it's easy to find the air leaks!


On Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 4:24 PM, Joe Norris via
<joepilot13=[email protected]> wrote:
Some of the craziest, stupidest, wildest things that we do, we do because it ends up making a good story afterward.? Or at least that is what I have come to use as the excuse!

On Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 4:18?PM Christian Bobka via <blamebobka=[email protected]> wrote:
Great story! ? The day before I was to set off from Long Island to drive to Texas for the start of the spring semester at the university of Texas at Austin, the heater core in my 67 Chevelle sprung a leak.? I disconnected the hoses at the engine block and drive down with no heat (or defroster).? Before long I was driving the 1600 miles in my sleeping bag and the car had a clutch! ? I had to either scrape the frost from my breath off of the inside of the windows or drive with the windows open.? What a dumb ass I was but at least I have a good story to tell. ?lol.?

On Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 11:51?AM Joe Norris via <joepilot13=[email protected]> wrote:
Your post caused me to flash back to what was probably the coldest I have ever been in an airplane.? I worked for Sonex Aircraft LLC back in the days when they still had the "Light Plane Expo" in Sebring, FL.? John (Monnett, Sonex founder and president) decided that he wanted to take an airplane down to Sebring for the event rather than just setting up a booth.? Foolishly, not fully considering the fact that the Sebring event is in JANUARY, I volunteered to fly the airplane to Florida rather than having to disassemble and trailer the plane down.? (There might have been alcohol involved in that conversation.)

So, here I am, ready to start out for Sebring in the uninsulated, unheated Sonex Aerobatic prototype (which was powered by the prototype AeroVee turbo engine).? Did I mention that this was in JANUARY?? It was cold.? I mean COLD.? I think it was about 10 degrees, but felt even colder in the wind and snow flurries that morning.? I thought I had enough clothes on, and I planned on the nice bubble canopy of the Sonex acting as a bit of a solar heater for me.? Well, the sun went behind a high overcast, and I didn't have enough clothes on!

My first fuel stop was Bloomington, IL.? I was numb.? I fueled up the airplane, then sat in the FBO for about half an hour to soak up some of their glorious heat.? But not wanting to let the airplane cool off too much, I finally forced myself to get back in the air.? I ended up landing at Marion IL for my overnight stop.? They had a heated hangar I could put the airplane in, and as soon as we got the airplane into the hangar and I realized I was done flying for the day, I started shaking uncontrollably.? I had to sit down for about 10 minutes before I could stand and walk.? Can you say hypothermia??? When I got to the hotel I just turned the heater up as far as it would go and sat right in front of it until the shaking finally stopped.

The next morning it was a balmy 20 degrees when I left Marion, but I was heading south so I gradually got into warmer air and survived the trip (after spending two days in Selma AL to wait out the weather).? Man, I hope I am never that cold again!? It was brutal!!? We were smart enough to just leave the airplane in FL after Sebring, so we rented a hangar at Lakeland and I flew the airplane over there after the Sebring event and didn't fly it back to WI until after Sun N Fun.

I am not a fan of cold!!

joe

On Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 10:42?AM Tailwind14855 via <Tailwind14855=[email protected]> wrote:
Two different ways to go for oil temp. Regulate the flow of oil with a fuel shutoff valve connected to a control. Or regulate the flow of air either into or out of the cooler with an airflow valve.?
My cowl flap is stuck in the mid position, no power to servo. As a result my CHT runs a bit high on takeoff and a bit low in cruise. It takes at least 20 minutes to get my oil to 180, even at 50 degrees ambient.?
I really like the cowl flap. Useful even in the hot weather at higher altitudes.
I miss the ski flying even though I don't like the cold.
I flew an open cockpit one of a kind homebuilt at 10F. A short flight, well prepared. I left Syracuse area with the Pitts, 10F for takeoff. Stopped for the night in Jacksonville area, 40F there. The next year I was prepared with snowmobile suit and battery powered electric socks. NO HEAT in the Pitts.

On Monday, January 6, 2025 at 08:27:48 AM MST, Jim Schmidt <jim47ex@...> wrote:


You guys are way more resilient than I am. 35 to 40 and Sunny are my temps. I only put one heat exchanger on my exhaust sytem when I built my RV6. Food for thought for you Tailwind? builders. If you are going to fly in Winter in the north you? will want more heat. Sun helps a lot with the RV canopy.





-------- Original message --------
From: "Joe Norris via " <joepilot13=[email protected]>
Date: 1/6/25 8:02 AM (GMT-06:00)
Subject: Re: [TailwindForum] At what cold weather temp do you stop flying?

Keith,

Interesting that you should post your question today, as the Polar Vortex has just swept into Texas.? Jeri and I spend winters in TX to avoid this cold BS!? It is 24 degrees here in Fredericksburg TX this morning, so I figure most of the native Texans are frozen solid.? Jeri and I finally put our long sleeve shirts on.? Anyway, to the point of your question....

My answer is "it depends".? If I am just wanting to go out flying for fun, I usually use 20 degrees F as my cutoff.? It's not that the airplane really would care, but I just don't enjoy the cold and getting the airplane out and back in just lets heat out of the hangar.? So I just say the heck with it if it is below 20.? However, if I have a "mission" that needs accomplishing, I will just do what I have to do.? The Super Cub has a pretty good heater, at least for the front seat, and if I tape up enough of the cowl inlets I can keep the oil temp up to around 160 or so, so I will do what I need to do.? Haven't had the Tailwind long enough to know if the cabin heat is worth a darn or not, and if I play my cards right I will never have to find out!?

I remember that I had to take a friend to pick up an airplane one time when it was about -20F, but the Piper Pacer I had at the time had an excellent heater so away we went.? He wasn't so warm on the way home in his new-to-him Skybolt though.? But that kind of mission is pretty rare for me, so I doubt I would have much reason to fly if it is that cold outside.? 20 is plenty cold enough for me!

Hope everyone has a great 2025!!

Joe

On Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 7:36?AM Keith Klos via <kloskeith=[email protected]> wrote:
Hello All,
I am curious as to how cold it gets before you stop flying.? ? I have a really good heater in my plane and I think I have flown it down to about zero F but unless I have a specific mission,? I normally don't fly when it gets below about10 degrees F.? What do you do?? ?This is not really a post about how to start your cold engine or about preheating as I am going to assume we all preheat when it gets cold.? ? It has been cold in Wisconsin the last week or so.? I flew last Thursday and it was about 18 degrees F and all was fine other than oil temps only got to about 160 degrees.? CHTs were around the 300 degree mark.? ?
?
I have contemplated using some blue "painters tape" to partially cover the cowl inlets (would remove after each flight)? but have resisted putting any tape on my cowl.? ?I used to use duct tape on my Tripacer and have flown it to -15 F with no problems.
?
Just curious.? ?Winter flying can be very enjoyable.? Let's all have a great 2025!!
Keith


Nose ski on Colt

 

Keith, the nose ski on the Colt sits on a pedestal that is the same height as the center of the 6.00x6 tire so when you remove?the tire and install the ski the prop ends up at the same height to ski or the ground.? Farmer John