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Hubcaps?
Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2018 11:27 pm
by jprhode
Hi
A friend has a DA42-VI which has smooth ‘hubcaps’ on the mains, the theory being less drag with the gear up. The service center says they are available for the 62. Anyone have a before and after experience with these? Any noticeable difference (speed, fuel etc)?
Cheers
Jason
Re: Hubcaps?
Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 12:26 am
by rdrobson
No before and after. They came with mine, I assume they are standard equipment.
—Ron
Re: Hubcaps?
Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 12:38 am
by jprhode
Probably so, but they weren't as of S/N 010. Just trying to figure out if I want some. Do they interfere with checking/filling the tires?
Re: Hubcaps?
Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 4:25 pm
by rdrobson
I can't answer your question about interfering with tire checks/fill, I have a great FBO who takes very good care of my aircraft. (And my car, last time I left town I came back to find that they had detailed it!)
--Ron
Re: Hubcaps?
Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2018 7:18 pm
by ultraturtle
jprhode wrote:...Do they interfere with checking/filling the tires?
If they are like the DA42-VI caps they are a very minor pain in the ass. You'll need a stubby Phillips screwdriver to remove 2 screws, and loosen the third in order to check pressure and fill.
Re: Hubcaps?
Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2018 4:57 pm
by CFIDave
The hubcaps on my DA42-VI were aluminum, whereas the hubcaps on my DA62 look like they're made of carbon fiber. They are all exactly the same shape with the same aerodynamics.
In either case you'll need a flat-head screwdriver to remove 3 screws and remove the hubcaps in order to add air to the tire valve stems. Either find a very short stubby screwdriver, or be prepared to move the plane forwards/backwards a few feet so you can get to all the screws with the gear door being in the way.