Brief Description: Installed static ports and tubing.
While the fuselage is still wide open I decided to install the static air system. I had purchased the SafeAir1 kit which has quick connect fittings and the plastic tubing which I thought would make for easier installation and repair if needed in the future. The most difficult thing to do was to decide where to run the tubing from the F-708 bulkhead to the instrument panel area. I decided to drill one hole in the F-705 bulkhead (the one that the seat backs rest on) since the F-707 & F-706 bulkheads already had the holes. This allowed me to run it under the upper longeron in the cockpit area and across the top of the spar F-704 fore and aft center sections. I slipped a section of 1/4" ID poly tubing over the 1/4" OD static tube where it ran through the drilled hole and over the spar center sections just under the upper longeron. I used some Dawn dish washing soap to help with the slipping.
The kit static ports required me to drill a 1/4" holes on both sides of the fuselage just in front of the F-708 bulkhead per Van's dimensions, except I had to allow more foreward space to fit the round ports (Van uses a pop rivet with the pin removed for the ports). One can rivet the ports using 2, 3, 4 or more rivets if one wants, but I'm going to try Proseal first and rivet later if needed. I used plastic adhesive tube mounts that I got at Home Depot to tie the tubing using nylon ties. I want to minimize the number of holes drilled to prevent stress fatigue especially in the upper longeron (where some people drill for tubing clips). The coil of static tubing is now resting next to the firewall waiting for me to install an instrument panel (soon I hope) before I cut it!
Installing a Tee in the tubing.
Close up shot of the tee. Need to add more tube mounts!
