Relief Tube

[Piloto]

Does anyone knows about an STC for relief tube in Mooneys. I am tired and embarrased of either dumping or carrying the bottle to the FBO (or Customs) bathrooms . I have been considering making my own if there was no STC. Anyone interested?

José

[MooneyMitch]

Quote: Piloto

Does anyone knows about an STC for relief tube in Mooneys. I am tired and embarrased of either dumping or carrying the bottle to the FBO (or Customs) bathrooms . I have been considering making my own if there was no STC. Anyone interested?

José

[Ned Gravel]

Don't know about an STC, but my girl bought me a "Port-a-Johnny" three years ago, in case.  Never used it, but it does take up space in the baggage area. See http://jakespilotshop.com/porta-john-bottle.html.

It also comes with a special "J" fitting to transform itself into a "Port-a-Jane."   Don't ask.......

[Carl S]

With the Long EZ, the tube was run out of the fuselage, down the rear gear leg, exiting via the wheel pants. All in all, fairly tidy. Remember to take a waterbottle full of vinegar to pour in after and keep things clean.

As for an STC, I have not heard of one. You could start with a 337 and a friendly FSDO.

 

[HopePilot]

Why not just use the small window on the pilot's side?   

[MooneyMitch]

Quote: 16LPilot

Why not just use the small window on the pilot's side?   

[FlyDave]

In my glider there is a metal sleeve that I push a plastic tube through. I use something called a condom catheter (look it up on line if their choice of terminology sends shivers down your spine) and connect it to one tube, then the one that goes outside the fuselage.

The tube that goes outside the fuselage is almost 2 feet long so I can get it far enough away from the fuse that I don't get "spray back".  Many glider pilots that use similar systems get "yellow" streaks and must clean the plane after every flight they use it on. With the speeds our Mooney's fly, I'm not sure you can keep this from happening unless you run it out to the wingtips and vent it there :<)

[Piloto]

Quote: FlyDave

In my glider there is a metal sleeve that I push a plastic tube through. I use something called a condom catheter (look it up on line if their choice of terminology sends shivers down your spine) and connect it to one tube, then the one that goes outside the fuselage.

The tube that goes outside the fuselage is almost 2 feet long so I can get it far enough away from the fuse that I don't get "spray back".  Many glider pilots that use similar systems get "yellow" streaks and must clean the plane after every flight they use it on. With the speeds our Mooney's fly, I'm not sure you can keep this from happening unless you run it out to the wingtips and vent it there :<)

[jmills]

Instead of the little bottle, what about the disposables? No need for anyone to see them, as you just drop them in the trash.

http://www.mypilotstore.com/mypilotstore/sep/3256

(PS I have no affliation with Pilot Store, just used their site because I found them there).

[donshapansky]

I use Traveljohns available at stores like Aircraft Spruce for very reasonable cost, you get a package of them, they are easy to use, the liquid turns to a gel quickly with no odor and easy to dispose of in an waste bucket, they won't leak or smell ever.

 I have used them for many years and they are the answer when you just got to go!

 

Don

[jlunseth]

I have a friend with a Mirage with a relief tube.  His instructor has told him not to use it because it discolors the fuselage and can cause corrosion.  I just carry the bottle in my flight bag with the cap screwed down tight, and dump it in the john.  Not a very big deal.

When I first got my PPL and had not purchased a plane, I brought the bottle home and told my kids I didn't have the plane yet, but had purchased the restroom.  Being kids, they got a kick out of it.

[231Pilot]

Ditto on the Traveljohns.  I get the big box from Sporty's, they are cheaper in quantity and they do make a flight more comfortable.

[Sven]

I saw a box of TravelJohns at my local Kragen's Auto Parts for only $3.99.

[Piloto]

One of the problems with the bottle is when you get to Customs. Some inspectors are very thorough and want to smell any liquids you bring in. At KFXE I warned the inspector but he insisted to open the thermo bottle (my camuflage). After that he let the dog do the smelling. This has happened to me three times and is embarrasing with passengers. Any suggestions?

José 

[Tom]

Quote: Piloto

One of the problems with the bottle is when you get to Customs. Some inspectors are very thorough and want to smell any liquids you bring in. At KFXE I warned the inspector but he insisted to open the thermo bottle (my camuflage). After that he let the dog do the smelling. This has happened to me three times and is embarrasing with passengers. Any suggestions?

José 

[roundout]

1 quart Gatorade 10/$10 at the local grocery store. Get a couple of them. You need the Gatorade on a multi-hour flight and the bottles have a large enough opening that you can "recycle" them when the need arises. They also seal tight so you don't have to worry about spillage. 

Can't help you if you carry pax or are a female. 

[tablor]

In regards to a relief tube, some cessna jets had the tube exiting the pilots side fuselage.  The waste was hitting the leading edge of the wing and causing a serious corrosion issue over time.  The tube exit was relocated to the bottom of the fuselage as a result.

[tablor]

Not sure why it posted twice?

It could work piloto and be much lighter than TKS.  Perhaps a thermos of coffee which could then be dual purpose for staying awake and deicing.

[Piloto]

Quote: tablor

In regards to a relief tube, some cessna jets had the tube exiting the pilots side fuselage.  The waste was hitting the leading edge of the wing and causing a serious corrosion issue over time.  The tube exit was relocated to the bottom of the fuselage as a result.

[FlyDave]

Quote: roundout

1 quart Gatorade 10/$10 at the local grocery store. Get a couple of them. You need the Gatorade on a multi-hour flight and the bottles have a large enough opening that you can "recycle" them when the need arises. They also seal tight so you don't have to worry about spillage. 

Can't help you if you carry pax or are a female. 

[Bob]

When on long flights, I always drink diet Mountain Dew, 1 Liter size, with the "wide mouth".  It keeps me going!

I tear off the label from the bottle if I use it for relief.  I think I am going to call it the "Attaboy". 

 

[MooneyMitch]

Are well all bored here?  Have we nothing really technical to discuss any longer?  Have we learned everything we need to know about Mooneys, flying and such?..................that we need to continue this relief tube thing?  Has MooneySpace run its course?

Can't we get back to something substantial?  Speedbrakes, hot starts, cold starts, flaps/no flaps, iPads, paint jobs, new interiors, one piece windshiels, 201 style windshields, cowl mods, LOP, ROP, etc,............and God knows............reseal or bladders!  Whoops, never mind on the BLADDER word.

Hey, I've got a great idea!!  Let's ask the girls about relief tubes?  Personally, I gave my wife a Lady Jane for Valentines Day.  Any comments?

[HopePilot]

'Cmon Mitch.  We haven't even discussed its effect on weight and balance...

[MooneyMitch]

Quote: ILXLR8

When on long flights, I always drink diet Mountain Dew, 1 Liter size, with the "wide mouth".  It keeps me going!

I tear off the label from the bottle if I use it for relief.  I think I am going to call it the "Attaboy". 

 

[Bob]

Mitch,

My Attaboy check list makes that failure impossible.  A checkilist is only effective if it removes the possibility for any and all error.

Attaboy Checklist: 

1) Tear off label

2)  Remove cap

3)  Fill bottle to maximum rim height

4)  Reinstall cap

5)  Toss behind you into right rear baggage area, out of reach of pilot.

6)  Lean forward to adjust for weight and balance.