Gear door removal: birds and other critters?

[YankeeClipper]

Wondering if anyone has ever observed an issue with critters since the wheel wells are wide open for weeks on end, and if so whether you have a fix that doesn't involve a hangar.

[mshac]

Great question that I've never seen addressed. Just another reason I'll hold on to my "air brakes". LOL

[YankeeClipper]

Originally Posted by mshac

Great question that I've never seen addressed. Just another reason I'll hold on to my "air brakes". LOL

Yeah ... if you time it right and keep cycling the gear up and down it's really effective. Maybe the mod we need is one that stops the doors mid cycle, for those long descents.

[mshac]

Originally Posted by YankeeClipper

Maybe the mod we need is one that stops the doors mid cycle, for those long descents.

Great minds

Honestly why hasn't this been done? As long as you are at Vle or below, you should be good? Would be tons cheaper to install than the air brakes that pop up from inside your wings.

[YankeeClipper]

I imagine the extended periods of fluttering about would be hard on the linkage and mount points. But I suppose with good enough engineering and determination you could just about put a man on the moon.

[mshac]

Yea the additional wear on all the components would likely be a deal killer. But I'm not a DER so who knows?