Am 05.06.2013 17:41, Matt Herron Jr. wrote:
Can anyone share some wisdom on using water at high elevations for long durations? How do you know your fin or wing tanks will not freeze? If I am at 18K for 6 hrs in the Sierras, I really don't want my vertical stab splitting open in flight. Has this ever happened? Any guidance would be appreciated.

Matt


They will freeze. Depending on the layout of the tanks, it may do damage
to the tank or wing structure.

If you fly in air mass below freezing point, either
- do not use water ballast
- or add the appropriate amount of antifreeze to the water.

If possible, you can land with the ballast water and then recollect the
antifreeze mixture. I know of several pilots that have done it that way.

--
Peter Scholz
ASW24 JE