Most of us, unless we are hardcore bush pilots, use fairly smooth airstrips most of the time. But, for the occasional backcountry use, we don't want pants on our wheels, so we go without. Given the high cost of fuel, pants are a pretty good investment.

So, how about some kind of cheap pants, maybe made from styrofoam, that would save gas, but when landing in the rough, would destruct with no harm to the plane or the pocketbook? Yeah, I know, I gotta go back and pick up the pieces so the SC won't be offended.

Ready to start a new business?

tom

Damm, I thought you meant Depends or Oops I Crapped My Pants
I went to Alaska with my my panties on and I was the butt of many jokes. Good thing I'm comfortable with my masculinity.

By the title, I thought this was gonna be another thread about that astronaut gal....

Just wondering, what is the speed difference or fuel burn difference between pants and commando?

When I went from pants to 8.50X6 without pants I could not see the difference on my ASI.

I would think that it amounted to two or three mph at most.

Dane

I would run panties on my 170 if I didn't plan on landing on grass. I think they make the plane look trim and styled.

Of course, I also want to give the impression that I'm a super hardcore bush pilot wannabe, which means I can't run them. Bahh!

Savannah-Tom wrote:Most of us, unless we are hardcore bush pilots, use fairly smooth airstrips most of the time. But, for the occasional backcountry use, we don't want pants on our wheels, so we go without. Given the high cost of fuel, pants are a pretty good investment.

So, how about some kind of cheap pants, maybe made from styrofoam, that would save gas, but when landing in the rough, would destruct with no harm to the plane or the pocketbook? Yeah, I know, I gotta go back and pick up the pieces so the SC won't be offended.

Ready to start a new business?

tom

No, but I sure would like to know the source for those gravel flap thingies instead. Would have much more utility for me than pants.

Okay, I got off my lazy butt, dug out my aircraft design book, and looked up coefficients of drag for landing gear and wheel fairings. It turns out that at 80 mph, where I cruise, the drag is so low even with naked wheels, (that gets me excited just typing it in) there wouldn't be mouse nuts worth of improvement with pants.

I guess I'll have to think of another use for all that venture capital.

tom

once&futr_alaskaflyer wrote:I sure would like to know the source for those gravel flap thingies instead. Would have much more utility for me than pants.

I know a guy at the Salem airport with those on his 180. I'm gonna be gone for a week, but when I get back, I'll find out where they came from.

tom

once&futr_alaskaflyer wrote:No, but I sure would like to know the source for those gravel flap thingies instead. Would have much more utility for me than pants.

Here Ya Go:

http://www.aerotwin.com/products/main_g ... ctors.html

Cool! I'm gonna get mine with chrome babes on them. Think 206 = chick magnet!

CAVU wrote:Cool! I'm gonna get mine with chrome babes on them. Think 206 = chick magnet!

Based on 36 years of living with a "chick", that will be more like a repeller.

tom

I want a pair with Yosemite Sam on them and the words "Back Off!"

Aero Twin makes some other cool stuff too, surf their website and check out the folding seats for Caravans.
Not cheap though--gravel deflector kits are $1,685 and the foldup seats are $3,815 each!

Eric

Yeah, you're probably right. I should probably take the little Playboy bunny logo charm down from my magnetic compass, too.

CAVU

OK here there are, pictures of my gravel deflectors - enjoy

Guy




http://www.backcountrypilot.org/gallery ... G_0895.JPG