On Monday, December 31, 2012 6:58:37 AM UTC-8, Tony V wrote:
I can't believe that the topic of MKIV winter maintenance has gotten no

coverage.


Every couple of weeks, I pull the fuselage out of the trailer and blow

air from a hair drier (at the *cool* setting) over the MKIV, but wonder

if this is sufficient to maintain optimal performance. Your expert

advice on this subject is requested.


Tony "6N"

Tony, great idea, but suggest the hair dryer on warm setting to better emulate tropic climes. MKIV's are resilient but susceptable to the winter blues if not flown often enough.

Jp, with sugarplums dancing, we headed for the lab to see if an "inside-the-cockpit" MKIV would be advantageous (and increase sales!). Unfortunately, MKIV's are sensitive little guys and easily confused. With two in close proximity, but in widely diverse environments, both got more confused than the pilot. I'm sure the turbultors would only make matters worse - - definitely not recommended.

Lars, thanks for the kind words, but your "metric model" idea stinks. It's hard enough grabbing the right wrench with two draws full of SAE and Metric stuff. If I came out with a Metric MKIV, next thing you know there'd be clamoring for a Whitworth version and who knows what else.

Having said that, I'll attempt to be reasonable and still keep things simple. I'm ceasing production of the English SAE version of the MKIV. Starting New Year's day, I will only make the metric version - - this should dramatically raise the bar for soaring performance in Europe and 3rd world countries. The SAE version will doubtless become a collector's item and much sought in the USA - - get'um while you still can.

bumper
zz