Triple TE probes, failures
			 
			 
			
		
		
		
		
I have seen many (including mine!) Total Energy probes fail: hairpin 
cracks in the carbonfibre tube, in the area that fits most deeply into 
the plug (in the fin of the glider). The terminal pin, made of aluminum 
and glued to the inside of the tube, then is not retained correctly... 
and it may stay in the glider as you remove the probe. (removing it from 
the fin can prove to be a tough job) 
 
IMHO, when ordering a new glider it is advisable to ask for 2 separate 
plugs for Ptot, and TE+ Static, at the least; or better just 2 plugs for 
TE and Ptot. 
 
If you already own a glider fitted with one only plug for the 3 
functions, then I strongly recommend you don't buy the composite probe 
in carbon fibre, but the equivalent made of aluminum from the same 
manufacturer. 
More so if you own a motorglider! 
 
Opinions? 
 
Happy flying 
 
Aldo Cernezzi 
(remove PUSSAVIA to reply) 
 
		
	
		
		
		
		
		
	
		 
		
	
	
	 |