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
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