winter operations

What I'm really after is the incredible draftiness, from the sides of the seat and near the floor. At least there is heat now, that the carpet blocking the hole for its entry has a pocket knife alteration! I've heard that pvc might help to direct it to my feet - don't know how legal that might be....

Thanks, Cathy! I do recall your penguins... It was warmer at Moraine, last summer, than today! An A&P friend suggested that insulating, aluminum backed bubble wrap, as is used for wrapping water heaters could help - while noting that Airtex materials do seem to burn, themselves... All that I've tried is aft of the firewall - and old military mukluks help the feet! Thanks, Steve
- how's school?

Thanks, Cathy! I do recall your penguins... It was warmer at Moraine, last summer, than today! An A&P friend suggested that insulating, aluminum backed bubble wrap, as is used for wrapping water heaters could help - while noting that Airtex materials do seem to burn, themselves... All that I've tried is aft of the firewall - and old military mukluks help the feet! Thanks, Steve

I'm no sure how you draft proof without adding weight. But I already have mentioned I use a sheepskin over my lap. You kind of have the choice of insulating yourself (snowpants etc) or trying to block up the drafts. My mascot stuffed penguins are useful for this task. And always consider that the interior has to pass certain fire retardant standards, so your might want to consider that if you use blankets etc to wrap up in. The sad fact is that small aircraft are drafty. I'm actually considering putting one of those reflective survival blankets under my seat padding to reduce airflow to my aging hips. They are thin, light and flexible (I have to check fire resistance), and I carry one anyway. Coupes do have a pretty good greenhouse factor on a sunny winter day, and the cabin heater does blow onto your lower parts.

Always remember that the poor cylinders (the ones you love to have working up front) also get chilled in winter, so keep an eye on that oil temp!

It might just be a fabulous winter for flying...supposed to be a warm one! Go out and have fun.
Cathy

I know that closing the windows helps, but there still is a lot of wind whipping through the ol' gal - from the ends of the seatback, and from each side, on the floor, just in front of the seat. Pretty soon, this will be a much larger concern. Got any ideas, good, bad, or indifferent? Thanks, Steve