DA42 Cabin Heat

[robert63]

Maybe turboprop would be solution for all three problems.

Would be, but have good heating now.

[carym]

I must be the exception. My plane was initially purchased in Minnesota, and now lives in Indiana. I frequently fly in -20C weather without a problem. I do leave the defrost on all winter, which may help a bit. If I am away from the sun, or flying at night, then a light jacket on the shoulder next to the window is needed. Otherwise, my wife and I are quite comfortable flying in the winter.

[ememic99]

If I am away from the sun, or flying at night, then a light jacket on the shoulder next to the window is needed.

And what about unwanted flow from the overhead switches and reading lights?

[carym]

And what about unwanted flow from the overhead switches and reading lights?

Fortunately, I do not have a problem with that. They must have built my plane correctly. I have even had to change out one of the reading lights and still no detectable cold air coming in from these sources.

[startingovercfi]

We have a TDI 2.0 and it is unbearable when OAT is below -10C. Froze my feet off yesterday....not just a minor comfort issue, but a safety issue as well IMO.

Mechanics have done work with no improvement. Any new suggestions appreciated. (btw...rear seat passenger was not impressed either).

[ememic99]

Unfortunately, I can't give you any advice - I can only confirm that few days ago it wasn't easy to spend 2 hours at OAT -24C. The problem is that 135HP engine obviously doesn't produce sufficient heat having in mind long path that heated air has to travel in poorly insulated DA42. In my TB20 (waaay much better cabin insulation and 235HP engine) I have never fully opened cabin heat because.

[ultraturtle]

We purchased our Austro powered -VI with the understanding that the cabin heat lever is largely ceremonial.

We keep a box of HotHands Toe Warmers in the hangar, and they work well to keep our toes warm:

$0.88 per pair at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007 ... UTF8&psc=1

If you can keep your toes warm, the rest of your body seems easier to keep comfortable.

[Wilfried]

Toe warmers is a good idea...

I own a DA42NG and use in cold weather a small cushion that I stick between my left shoulder and the canopy + a warm woolen blanket aroun body and thighs - that help a little. Will try the toe warmers on top.
But if I ever crash I wonder how invetsigators might interpret the situation...

[startingovercfi]

We purchased our Austro powered -VI with the understanding that the cabin heat lever is largely ceremonial.

Thanks for making me laugh. Well done.

I just cant accept that Diamond thinks it is ok to for their planes to be the butt of jokes like this though. Oh well.

[Steve]

My airplane was custom-made in Austria for TX climates - the heat works great all year round, even in August...

Steve