Anti-Ice

[Joshua Dickson]

So, I was reading something off of an Old AOPA web entry and I saw they were testing Graphite foil heat tape on Lancairs. Pretty interesting:

http://www.aopa.org/-/media/Files/AOPA/ ... s/sa22.pdf

I found a website where they sell the stuff:

http://www.graphitefoilfabricators.com

Obviously not STC' ed nor something I care to beta test . However it is an intriguing technology for a low cost de-ice (anti-ice?) solution for smaller aircraft in cold IFR.

[Steven Lefferts]

Holy Cow - that graphite foil would be cool! I am watching anti / de-ice developments very carefully because it's the last item that would make my Miller PA30 my perfect personal / family airplane (unless we have more kids!).

I have been literally stalling future aircraft upgrade plans to see what develops in this area because I think it is halfway likely that between the hydrophobic coatings being developed and stuff like this that mechanical pnuematic boots will become obsolete for new installations before too long (and the weight and expense with them). It literaly could make the difference between "forget it and move to a bigger airplane" versus "equip the Twinkie the way you want it and keep it forever".

-Steve

[Joshua Dickson]

Maybe with the part 23 rewrite? I also want them to certify some affordable diesel engines.

[Kristin Winter]

Steve,

You have a Miller so that you could put boots and hot props on the aircraft with Miller's STC's. Not cheap, but doable.

[Steven Lefferts]

Yes, but no..... I have the Robertson wing - which rules out boots based on the conversation over on Delphi. I have been meaning to ask more about "why does that rule out boots?" but I assume it is a certification thing. Having said that, do the rules around field mods allow one to do thing to their own airplane that wouldn't be allowed to be produced and sold without an STC? In other words, Robertson wing or not - could I find applicable boots and put a system on my own airplane under a field mod?

-Steve