Keyhole wasps

[Bill-Higdon]

The Surprising Way Keyhole Wasps Can Take Down an Airplane

Keyhole wasps like to build their nests in tiny holes, including the openings of devices used to measure airspeed. A recent investigation shows the problem is worse than we realized.

gizmodo.com

I've seen lots of little mechanical wasp/bee stoppers on civilian pitot tubes hmmm

 

[blane.c]

Common type of pitot hole protection.

PITOT TUBE PROTECTOR - 1/2 INCH | Aircraft Spruce

PITOT TUBE PROTECTOR - 1/2 INCH These hinged pitot tube protectors open automatically in take off at speed of about 40 MPH and close automatically at end of landing roll.

www.aircraftspruce.com

 

[cluttonfred]

For static ports, here is a suggestion from the Evans VP-2 plans addendum. It would be hard though get any lighter or simpler.

 

[rv7charlie]

Sounds like Brisbane has a barely detectable issue. ;-)

They should come do the test in MS; every test port they place during the summer will get filled within a day or two; often within hours. We have at least a dozen different critters that will plug holes from about 3/32" up to about 5/8". I've had them plug *both* fuel vents on an RV4 that were made from -4 aluminum tube, with the open end still 'necked down' by the tubing cutter; probably about 3/32" opening. We don't dare leave air hoses in hangars unless the ends are plugged together. Every threaded implement mounting hole on my tractor is filled (and it's a big tractor).

Every orifice on my plane gets a screen or a cover.

Charlie

 

[kubark42]

Happened to me on takeoff when the mudwasp nest partially blocking my pitot tube fully clogged it on rotation.

Once back on the ground, we blew out the pitot tube. Problem solved.

Now when I park overnight in New England I put a tennis ball on the pitot just like everyone else.

 

[BJC]

Everyone should fly their airplane at least once without airspeed indication.

Dirt daubers are a problem all over the SE, but I happen to know that, in Washington state, pitot tube covers also render the ASI INOP.


BJC

 

[rv7charlie]

No argument on the ASI issue, but trust me; once is more than enough with clogged fuel tank vents.

 

[pwood66889]

Wonder if it was a "keyhole" that gave me such a thrill in KLYH, when I rotated with zero airspeed! I didn't ask it for id when I pushed it out of the pitot.
I took to unscrewing teh pitot every preflight on the 150 after that. I currently use a cover; and have a check for it being on the hatshelf in the list.

 

[Victor Bravo]

Everyone should fly their airplane at least once without airspeed indication.

Don't the instructors throw a blanket over the panel with their students as a standard part of training anymore?

 

[mcrae0104]

Maybe not a blanket, but at least piece of paper to cover up the six pack.

 

[Bill-Higdon]

My first flight instructor use the round suction cup soap holders,you never knew what or when they'd appear on the instrument panel.