Safe way to heat a small plane?

[generaltso]

I fly a single engine recip around the country doing aerial photo stuff. Sometimes the camera man in the back gets cold. The heater in the plane is not very good. Does anyone know a safe way to heat the cabin (it is a rather large cabin)?

I have thought about maybe pluging a space heater in but the draw would be too large. Also we need something that isn't going to catch on fire. The heat comes out below the panel and doesn't reach the back at all. I was thinking about setting up ducts to get it back there... but there is little heat to begin with if it is very cold outside.

Any thoughts?

 

[EagleRJ]

I think your only easy solution is to put heavier coats on!

You could get a gasoline-fired Janitrol heater and have an installation approved by the FAA. That heater will put out plenty of heat for everyone. The heater would have to be plumbed into the fuel system, and the plane would most likely be placed in the Restricted category by the FAA (meaning no passengers). I don't know what kind of 337s or field approved mods you already have for the photo missions, but adding any kind of heater will definitely make your plane a single-purpose machine.

 

[Salty Dog]

Not sure what kind of single engine recip you're talking about, but I've found that masking all the vent inlets which leak prodigiously has made all the difference in the world in really cold wx. Firewalls, door seals, etc no matter what type of plane may have serious "issues".

Ugly but cheap - at least it works. Keep the heat in and you won't need so much of it.

 

[pavelump]

Chemical heat packs that you can buy at camping stores work wonders when you put one in each boot/shoe and one in each glove.

Dave

 

[sydeseet]

I used to eat a big meal of pork 'n beans the night before. If it's really cold ask your passengers to do the same.


I guarantee results.

 

[bobbysamd]

Heaters

For some reason, heaters and airplanes are a bad mix. Just ask Rick Nelson about the heater in his DC-3. Read about Ernest Gann's heater experiences in Fate Is The Hunter.

I most certainly would not use a non-STC'd heater in any airplane. I remember how the Janitrols in our Riddle Seminoles would balk (by the way, know the Janitrol well if you are taking a multi practical in a Seminole - it's an examiner favorite).

I would advise that the photographer put on a heavy sweater and gloves to stay warm.

 

[tarp]

Pre-heat the cabin as well as the engine.

Just don't put the outlet of the red dragon or a kerosene space heater INTO the cabin, direct it underneath and outside. Better still, store the entire plane in a heated hangar.

If a small recip, (air cooled) like C-172, a lot of heat is lost in air gap leaks and the fact that the air usually goes to all outlets equally regardless of heater switch position. Block the defroster vents on the dash and more heat will come out to the floor.

Sounds like the cameraman is in the back of the plane. The Cessna and Piper cargo doors are terrible for air gap leaks. Think styrofoam - go to Home Depot, there are sheets of styro made for house insulation (some of the stuff is foil covered). For less than $20, you can get a 4x8 sheet and then cut "walls" of styro to surround the work area. Very light stuff and great heat reflector.

The chemical heat packs (skiing, hunting supplies) are very good for about four hours. Slip a large one in your jacket, small ones for boots and gloves.

Polypropelene long johns (again see hunting or skiing suppliers) are fantastic for keeping you warm. Avoid silk (it makes you sweat and eventually you'll get colder).