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Date:  2-21-2009
Number of Hours:  3.00
Manual Reference:  N/A
Brief Description:  Modified Angle Of Attack Drain

One of the things I didn't like about the Advanced Systems Angle of Attack (AOA) indicator was they designed a water drain inside the wing on the bottom of the the upper wing sensor. The purpose of the drain is to remove any water condensation inside the sensor that might freeze and block the air pressure within the sensor. The instructions tell you drill a small 1/8 inch hole in the bottom of the wing and push a wire into the drain valve to drain any water prior to each flight. This is a poor design, especially for a low-wing aircraft. You would have to literally lie on the ground to find the hole, use a wire that was stiff and long enough to reach through the width of the wing and activate the spring loaded drain valve. The valve they use is a "fuel system quick-drain" typically used to check for water contamination in the fuel at the lowest point on a wing. After discussing this with a fellow RV builder and good friend of mine, we decided it would be much easier to attach a hose fitting where the quick drain is attached to the upper sensor, run a plastic hose to a quick drain connector on the lower surface of the wing and attach the drain from the outside, just like a normal fuel drain. After running down to Lowes (my favorite aircraft parts place), picking up some plastic hose and a couple fittings and clamps, I made this modification. It will work just fine and won't affect the performance of the AoA sensor. I think Brian Carrol and I ought to patent our design and ask for royalties.
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AOA Sensor - Upper Wing Sensor

AOA Sensor - Upper Wing Sensor

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Modified Drain with Hose

Modified Drain with Hose

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New Water Drain Valve

New Water Drain Valve

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