Does anyone know if it is OK to take hot air directly from the engine
compartment into the cabin. It would seem to be a simple matter of
installing a metal shutter (cable operated) at the back of each footwell
so that warm air could be drawn from the bottom of the engine bay. A
baffle might need to be installed to reduce noise levels but at least
there would be no need for any ducting.
This appears to be a simple solution to the heating problem but (a)
would it work and (b) would it be allowed.
Presumably it would be prudent to install a carbon monoxide detector in
the cabin (or near the hot air outlet). One would assume that the air
exchange rate in the engine compartment is fairly frequent so
comparatively fresh.
Conversely, is there any necessity to install cooling to the instrument
panel. On our aircraft this is effectively a sealed unit but we were
wondering whether to cut a few holes in the top and bottom to keep the
radios, transponder etc cool. Maybe even a 12 volt cooling fan to stop
any chance of overheating.
Carl
G-LABS
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