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#1
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Pitot heat element failed. Options?
Just this past week my Bonanza V35's pitot heat element failed. I had a
mechanic look at it to determine if the cause was power/wiring related or if the element itself had failed. Of course, it was the element itself that had failed, which apparently in the Bonanza's case means a new pitot tube. New pitot tubes are over US$1000, or at least that was the first quote I received. Are there used aircraft parts, or boneyards, that might carry these? If so, who are reputable groups here in the US? -- Peter |
#2
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Pitot heat element failed. Options?
Peter R. wrote:
... Are there used aircraft parts, or boneyards, that might carry these? Try Wentworth for starters. I own Cessnas and a Piper . I'm a member of Cessna Pilot's Assoc. and Short Wing Piper Club. Both organizations maintain lists of used parts dealers. Join your Type Club. |
#3
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Pitot heat element failed. Options?
Peter R. wrote:
Of course, it was the element itself that had failed, which apparently in the Bonanza's case means a new pitot tube. If you are going to observe the legalities, it sure does. I might or might not know of several Bonanzas flying with rebuilt pitot tubes... New pitot tubes are over US$1000, or at least that was the first quote I received. Are there used aircraft parts, or boneyards, that might carry these? If so, who are reputable groups here in the US? Take any old copy of Trade-A-Plane, flip through it, and you will find plenty. Just start calling around. You would be amazed how many odd parts they will have. Michael |
#4
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Pitot heat element failed. Options?
Michael wrote: Peter R. wrote: Of course, it was the element itself that had failed, which apparently in the Bonanza's case means a new pitot tube. If you are going to observe the legalities, it sure does. I might or might not know of several Bonanzas flying with rebuilt pitot tubes... No legal reason you have to buy a new pitot tube. |
#5
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Pitot heat element failed. Options?
On 11 Jan 2007 11:38:58 -0800, "mikem" wrote:
Peter R. wrote: ... Are there used aircraft parts, or boneyards, that might carry these? Try Wentworth for starters. I own Cessnas and a Piper . I'm a member of Cessna Pilot's Assoc. and Short Wing Piper Club. Both organizations maintain lists of used parts dealers. Join your Type Club. Try http://www.bonanza.org/ It's a good group for Bonanza owners. Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member) (N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair) www.rogerhalstead.com |
#6
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Pitot heat element failed. Options?
Peter,
My heating element went south on my Piper pitot tube. Apparently there were two heating elements in there and I was able to purchase them separately. You may want to explore the option of purchasing just the heating elements. Marco Newps wrote: Michael wrote: Peter R. wrote: Of course, it was the element itself that had failed, which apparently in the Bonanza's case means a new pitot tube. If you are going to observe the legalities, it sure does. I might or might not know of several Bonanzas flying with rebuilt pitot tubes... No legal reason you have to buy a new pitot tube. |
#7
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Pitot heat element failed. Options?
Marco Leon wrote:
My heating element went south on my Piper pitot tube. Apparently there were two heating elements in there and I was able to purchase them separately. You may want to explore the option of purchasing just the heating elements. Thanks, Marco, but in the Bonanza's case, the heating element and the tube are one unit. I contacted American Bonanza Society and they have given me some contacts to explore. Of course the issue is time, since I am flying a lot this winter in the Northeast US I have to have the Pitot heat back working relatively quickly. -- Peter |
#8
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Pitot heat element failed. Options?
Peter R. wrote:
Thanks, Marco, but in the Bonanza's case, the heating element and the tube are one unit. I contacted American Bonanza Society and they have given me some contacts to explore. Of course the issue is time, since I am flying a lot this winter in the Northeast US I have to have the Pitot heat back working relatively quickly. Yes, these clouds up here are no joke. Good luck with finding it for less than 1 AMU. I wonder if it's economically feasible to buy off eBay and get it yellow-tagged? Here's one (not sure if it's your model) from a guy parting out some Bonanzas: Item number: 320069500778 Marco |
#9
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Pitot heat element failed. Options?
Marco Leon wrote:
Yes, these clouds up here are no joke. Good luck with finding it for less than 1 AMU. I wonder if it's economically feasible to buy off eBay and get it yellow-tagged? Here's one (not sure if it's your model) from a guy parting out some Bonanzas: Item number: 320069500778 It is certainly feasible - provided you have the right mechanic. A yellow tag is not magic - it's not even necessarily yellow. It is documentation of a condition/operational inspection and certifies that the part is serviceable. For a pitot tube, that would mean: External inspection - not cracked, bent, etc. Internal inspection - pitot tube not plugged, drain hole (if one exists) not plugged, static port (if one exists) not plugged, no leaks, electrical connections not frayed, plug or terminals in good condition Electrical inspection - not shorted or open or intermittent, draws a reasonable amount of current (less than the fuse/breaker is rated for, enough to get hot quickly) At most, I might need an hour to do all this, including the paperwork (and I'm slow). I charge $45/hr for stuff like this. I would be surprised if you had to pay more than about $300 for used pitot tube - more likely a lot less. There are lots out there. Taking parts off a totaled airplane and installing them on a working plane is standard, accepted maintenance practice. Fact is, you don't even need a yellow tag. All that has to happen is your mechanic does the above tests, then makes an entry in your logbook to that effect (noting which plane the part came from, to establish traceability). Then he installs it, logs the installation - and you are good to go. What you can't (legally) do is repair one - because you have no acceptable data on which to base the repair. Not that it doesn't happen, mind you. Michael |
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