Slingsby T61F Venture Motor Glider (built 1977)

[kevkdg]

Hi,

Ex RAF/ATC Slingsby T61F Venture Motor Glider (built 1977)

Does anyone know what material the firewall is likely to be made of??

Thanks

[Genghis the Engineer]

Even money it's 2024.

You should be able to get a definitive answer from LAA Engineering at Turweston.

G

[kevkdg]

Would it not be asbestos based of some sort. What is 2024... A Google search did not help much.

[kevkdg]

Ah, Aluminium 2024...


That sounds about right. Only reason I'm asking is because our syndicate engineer drilled a couple of holes through it (with me holding some wires out of the way). So I am wondering whether there is asbestos of some sort use, whether it be a panel of material based.


If there is then I am not too happy about him drilling through it as I hear that is the worst thing to do with asbestos.


Mind you it was outside in the open air, and no noticeable dust was kicked up.


However, looking at the hole (from the engine bay side) there did appear to be some white coloured material on the other side of aluminium.


The word Asbestos scares me....

[Genghis the Engineer]

Doesn't mean it hasn't been used, but I've never come across asbestos in a firewall.

The AAN for the T61 is here, http://www.caa.co.uk/aandocs/22705/22705000000.pdf signed by the late Al Bevan (who I didn't get on with at-all, but did know what he was doing). The only reference there is to fire resistant firewall tape - presumably something like Duratape, which is perfectly safe.

In 1991 when Al signed that document, the risks of asbestos were well known. Also Al was an experienced motorglider pilot, who would have understood the aircraft well. So if there was anything that nasty on there, I'm pretty certain he'd have refused sign-off.

So, basically, I think that whatever's behind there almost certainly won't involve asbestos. You can do more digging to find out what it is, but my money would be on wood with a 2024 or similar facing.

G

[kevkdg]

Thanks Genghis.

I just assumed that thin asbestos panels, such as asbestos insulation board might have been used due to its fireproof properties. I found some reference that is was used in firewalls of WWII aircraft such as the hurricane where an asbestos panel was sandwiched between two aluminium panels.

http://www.jneaircraft.com/am274/2008-2/

Also, someone mentioned that the material attached to the cockpit side of the firewall used to dampen the engine noise might contain asbestos.

I guess I'll see if it mentions it on the technical manual if I can find a copy...

Cheers

[Epsomdog]

Airborne asbestos fibres can damage your lungs, I agree. However the whole asbestos thing has been overblown as far as the health and safety thing goes. Prolonged exposure to any airborne particles (asbestos, MDF, tobacco smoke, cement, straw etc) is harmful to your lungs and best avoided.

I suggest you DONT stick a straw up your nose and suck up the powder! Use a vacuum instead. If you get some on your finger don't panic, it won't kill you!