Draft air in Cockpit

[Kristofer Duckett]

Anyone else have cockpit draft issues in a PA-250? I can feel air from under the aft seat and under the headliner/upper sidewalls in the back forward of the hat rack. The vents are blocked in the tail section so I have no clue where the air is coming in from. In the wheel wells, I might have found that source but just looking for info. Thanks all!

Kris

[James Turner]

Hi,

I think you'll find that your door is not closed properly or that the seal is worn. I had a this issue a few days ago where unbeknown to me part of the rubber seal had caught in the door allowing air to pass through. The symptoms were exactly as you describe; very draughty, particularly from under the rear seat.

Check your door seals..

Cheers,

James.

[JIMICS2452]

There is a large hole in the main wheel wells Under the back seat where the control cable come into the fuselage. Lots of draft from there. I placed some insulation in the area cut to leave room for the cables and close off most of the opening.

[Tim Puliz]

I noticed some chatting about draft leaks in Comanches in 2010. I have a PA-30. I have significant draft air coming in behind the second seat. Any suggestions on how to minimize the cold air?
I have already replaced the door seal, but the amount of cold air is significant coming from behind the rear seat. Could it be coming from the cargo door, landing gear hatches or other penetrations in the rear of the plane?

Happy New Year...
Tim Puliz

[LeWayne Garrison]

When they came from the factory, the space under the rear seat was (semi) sealed off with a piece of heavy canvas. This was, I believe, to stop the flow of air from the wing roots. I have no way of knowing how effective the original was, but mine was all torn up and ripped. I replaced it with a similar material, but did not glue it down since I wanted access to the underseat area. I used velcro to keep it in place. There were still drafts in the rear seat, but it definitely helped.

[Tim Puliz]

Thanks LeWayne,
Good tip. I'll do the same and see if it helps.
Tim

[Kristofer Duckett]

Definitely getting air from under the rear seat as well. I have tried to put insulation near some of the areas but will need to investigate more I guess.

Kris