Engine preheat on the ramp - options

[Huckster79]

I'd go with a harbor freight generator, that way if it walk away you aren't out a bunch... How far is the plane? Could you stop by and start the generator say 5 hours before departure? Cover it all up, prop too for most efficient heating regardless of which heater it is...

[A64Pilot]

Even in S Ga I used to pre-heat when the hangar got close to freezing. I took my little jet engine looking hangar heater and had it blow onto a piece of sheet metal that I placed under the Maule’s cowling exit, formed a ramp if you will from the floor to the cowling. I had the little heater anyway.

Some may think it silly but I like the engine to be at or above 50F for starting, maybe not needed but at $50,000 or more for a motor I think excessive measures are justified, if 50K is petty cash to you as it is for some then of course don’t bother. Those though I’d bet are in a heated hangar anyway.

[PeteMc]

On 8/26/2023 at 6:55 AM, AdamJD said:

I put two marine batteries daisy chained in my storage box (if you are allowed to have one), an inverter and a thermocube.

There's another guy I've seen with a Solar Panel on top of his box.  I think he may do the same thing as you are and keeps the batteries charged with the SP.  Wonder if he has one of those cellular turn on/off devices so he only uses the batteries when he needs to and they charge the rest of the time.

[generalaviationguru]

On 8/29/2023 at 9:09 AM, Huckster79 said:

I'd go with a harbor freight generator, that way if it walk away you aren't out a bunch... How far is the plane? Could you stop by and start the generator say 5 hours before departure? Cover it all up, prop too for most efficient heating regardless of which heater it is...

45 minutes away no traffic. 

[Neshi]

Good to see 00M being taken care of.

On 8/25/2023 at 2:00 PM, generalaviationguru said:

Due to an unscrupulous FBO manager, our airplane is going to be stuck on the ramp for the foreseeable future, despite a hanger spot sitting open.  Our F was previously based in NYC and has a very nice engine preheater installed (full engine, not just the sump).  

we are trying to come up with options to power it out on the ramp. The parking spot is not reasonably close to any buildings on the airport and is a 45 minute drive from the house in the opposite direction of all of our other activities.  
 

We would love some ideas.
 

We have thought of:

1. chaining a generator to the tiedown and asking the staff to crank it up in the night before.

2. Buying one of those battery packs people use for tailgating, and then asking someone at FBO to turn it on the night before.  (problem is how do you get recharged and back out to the plane)

 

Or are we just crazy and Should we just deal with the consequences of being parked Outside…

The flight schools at the airport I trained at used generators to power electric forced air heaters.

it takes a bit (30 to 60 min) but just gives you time to do an extensive preflight and drink a coffee.

Product Comparison – Aerotherm Heaters

 

[generalaviationguru]

  

3 hours ago, Neshi said:

Good to see 00M being taken care of.

The flight schools at the airport I trained at used generators to power electric forced air heaters.

it takes a bit (30 to 60 min) but just gives you time to do an extensive preflight and drink a coffee.

Product Comparison – Aerotherm Heaters

 

Yes sir!  It's getting quite the TLC in the annual right now.  I've got some cool pictures to share in future posts.

Like Aft Stub Spar repair, refurbished carpet, renewed side panels, degreasing, etc.  We were lucky you flew it so much!  There are some other planes in the shop that are in for a while from neglect...

[Huckster79]

12 hours ago, generalaviationguru said:

45 minutes away no traffic. 

I think I’d go harbor freight generator and then some good whiskey or cases of beer or sporting events tickets or “I’ll give ya $20 each time ya start it for me”. for someone around the airport to go start it on request  

Edited September 1, 2023 by Huckster79

[JPLosman]

Does anyone have any PIREPs on the use of the Aerotherm preheaters? I'm a new owner of an E in a similar situation (airport in the NYC area where hangar waitlists are decades long...). Alternatively, thinking of building a homemade Red Dragon since those seem to be out of production now.

[Pinecone]

This might work with some form of duct adapter.  

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Forced-Air-Propane-Portable-Heater-Tool-Only-0801-20/316257239

 

[Hank]

9 hours ago, JPLosman said:

Does anyone have any PIREPs on the use of the Aerotherm preheaters? I'm a new owner of an E in a similar situation (airport in the NYC area where hangar waitlists are decades long...). Alternatively, thinking of building a homemade Red Dragon since those seem to be out of production now.

Let's ask Mikey what he uses there. @201er?

[201er]

3 hours ago, Hank said:

Let's ask Mikey what he uses there. @201er?

Not familiar. I have a legacy red dragon.