Astore Heater

[geobuff]

We have all complained about the heater in the Astore, especially me.  I fly high on most cross-countries and in the spring and fall it is COLD up there.  I always freeze.
I also have seen pictures on this forum from someone who modified the heater intake to funnel more air in.
PS: you lucky P2008 owners don't have this problem.

WELL, since I have 'fixed' the canopy situation, another sore point with Astore owners, my problem seem to have evaporated.
With a TIGHT canopy seal, the plane stays warm even at 30 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature at which i use to freeze my torso, even with a coat.
Without a tight canopy seal, there is so much air movement from the outside, no heater would keep it warm.

If anyone is unfamiliar with the new "latch" plate, which is a 1/4 inch thick plate, which actually allows the back of the canopy to easily seal, and draw down tight.
I fought the canopy issue for 2 years and invented many new cuss-words.  Now I am a nice guy again.

[CharlieT]

Hey Roger
I have the new style latch, and it helps a lot. It closes the first try and has never come open in flight. I still get a draft along the sides by your left elbow and shoulder. I am still adjusting the front latch about every 50 hours or so. I also have the new heater that works OK but below 24F and no sun its very uncomfortable, also you need to tape the radiator to keep the engine temps up to keep the heater output hot.
Charlie

[montanapilot]

Geobuff-

I just posted on another part of the forum, and then saw your post. I just purchased a new Astore and I'm having significantly air leaking through the canopy. From your post, it sounds like I'm not alone. Can you, or anybody, let me know if the canopy problems that you mentioned had to do with air leakage, and if so, how (if?) they were corrected. 

Thanks!

Marshall Friedman
Astore N377KM
Whitefish, Montana
home airport KGPI

[geobuff]

1) If you purchased the Astore new, it should have the new rear latch plate, which is about 1/4 inch thick. Verify that is true. If it is just a thin piece of metal (1/8 inch or less) it must be replaced.
2) your latches on the pilot and passenger side must be tight. I usually have to strain to get them to hook tight, sometimes knocking them into latching position with my fist.

If the canopy rubber seal is not tight, it must be made tight somehow or you will freeze in cold weather.

I think on the new Astore they have a better heater than mine, although with a tight seal it is OK even with my plane now.

[MarkGregor]

Marshall,

Give me a call and I can help you solve the air leak.

Mark Gregor
507-327-9465

[montanapilot]

We've resolved my canopy air leak issue by adding washers to the center locking mechanism. However, I had the opportunity to see how my heater works today, the first time that I've flown the airplane in temps below the 70's. It was, however, still not that cold, at 57 degrees on the ground, but at 6,500' the cabin was chilly (field elevation is 3,000', so only 3,500 agl). I'm only feeling heat coming into the passenger's side of the airplane. Is that the way it's plumbed, or is there supposed to be heat coming into the pilot's side as well? Living in Montana, we're not very cold-sensitive, but for me, the temp was just on the edge during this flight. I've seen the postings about being comfortable at temps a lot lower, but my heater is definitely not putting out enough heat to maintain a comfortable environment much below today's temperature. Any thoughts?