EAA Sport Aviation - September 2011

Automated Engine Monitoring...

..of up to 29 parameters with 62 alarms. From RPM to peak-detection leaning, the EIS does it all. Includes graphical and digital displays, customizable screens, and alarms with external warning light. Models for all engines up to 9-cylinders. Find out why the EIS is the choice of thousands of pilots.

All-cylinder EGT/CH T analyzer
functions for 4, 6 or 9 cylinder engines.

i

Actual Size 6"W x 2. 75"H x 2. 5"D

$995 $553

$473

4-cylinder 2-cyl 4-stroke

2-stroke Prices include probes.

US Sport 2011

(+ applicable sales TAX)

www.GRTAVIONICS.com
Grand Rapids Technologies, Inc.

616 245-7700 Fax 616 245-7707

3133 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49548

MANY GOOD
REASONS

Made in Germany / 40 Years Experience Thousands Flying Worldwide / Inexpensive Durable / Robust / Wide Cabin / High Payload / Easy to Fly / Excellent Flight Characteristics / Low operating costs Excellent Touring, Training or Towing Aircraft / Simple, Low Cost Maintenance and Repair / Inexpensive Spare Parts Available Through Ikarus Service Center in the US / Representatives in 30 countries

IKARUS SERVICE CENTRE
USA · Mulberry, FL 33860
863-943-4456
www.comco-ikarus.de

SILICONE TAPE

BY DICK KOEHLER

I FIRST RAN INTO this silicone tape in the military where we used the common orange-colored type to wrap and protect flight test wiring and instrumentation. It goes by many names such as self-bonding, self-adhering, and self-fusing silicone tape, and it comes with many trade names such as Uni-Wrap, Rescue Tape, Mighty Fixit, Pocket Rubber, and Tommy Tape. A typical product is Uni-Wrap from Aircraft Spruce (part number 09-46852); it sells for $11.75 for 10 yards by 1 inch by 0.020 inch. This item meets MIL- I-46852, having the specification of remaining flexible between - 85 and +500 degrees Fahrenheit while providing electrical insulation to 8,000 volts and having a tensile strength of 950 psi.

This tape has many applications for the homebuilder. It is an excellent cushion under clamps, tubing, hoses, or tie wraps, it can seal low-pressure leaks (temporarily), and it provides chafing protection and electrical insulation. I have used it to repair minor holes in SCAT tubing. I commonly put it under tie wraps, particularly on engine mounts, to protect the tubing and preclude the movement of the tie wrap. One of the great properties of the silicone wrap is that it is unaffected by mineral spirits used to wash down an engine compartment. I also use it to bundle wires together and on brake lines for chafing protection.

To install self-bonding
silicone tape, first unroll
and cut a portion. Note
that it is rolled with a sep-
arating plastic film to keep
the roll from bonding to
itself. Discard this separat-
ing film. The tape is best
applied by stretching it as
it is applied. If you have
ever worked with “fric-
tion” tape, the process is
similar. Remember, when
the tape makes contact
with itself, it bonds. Minor
bonds may be separated, if done quickly, but with time the tape
forms a homogeneous mass that cannot be separated. If using as a
cushion or bumper, you may wrap several layers, or if you are cov-
ering a bundle of wires, tube, or hose, you should spiral wrap the
tape with a 50 percent overlap. One side has a centerline to aid in
getting the 50 percent overlap. Also, the tape is tapered from the
center to the edges, so the overlap will lay down smoothly.

The tape does not “attach” itself to anything except itself, so it must be wrapped around something and back to itself. It does not stick to the base material, so removal is easy. Simply split it with a razor knife and peel off.