Pitot Tube Plumbing

27 Oct 2004 Pitot Tube Plumbing

Even though I have purchased an expense Gretz Aero pitot mount, I’ve decided to just use the simple Van’s method for the pitot. Just trying to keep it simple.

Unfortunately, using the Van’s method, the nut of the AN bulkhead fitting slightly overlaps where the access port will be. I’ll have to trim it.

Looking from the inside, you can see there is not a lot of room here. The nut is jammed right between two rivets. Looks like I could have, and should have, made the hole slightly closer to the spar, but it was not obvious where the hole should have gone.

Here are the plans – all the info is there, but you’ve gotta look pretty closely. This is the case with many parts of the construction. Read the plans, and just when you think you understand what to do, read them again!

I’ve run the tubing in, bent it, and then flared it. Ooops – what’s wrong with this picture? Yep, I forgot the hardware on there. This the first time that’s happened.

Here it is all installed. I forgot to put in the external part of the pitot for this photo. I bought a pretty stainless steel unit from the Orndorffs in Texas. http://www.fly-gbi.com/

Now I just need to hook it up to the instruments in the cockpit!