170C wrote:Those Pitot Tube Protectors/Bug Flaps work OK for bugs while sitting on the ramp (not tarmac), but it won't keep out those pesky little spiders that like to get in there and a part of their web will stick the flap to the tube. Sure brings home the reason to include checking the "protector"/flap" during preflight checks.
I had one little buggers build a tightly woven web in the shelter of the "bug flap". I took off but didn't realize it till i happened to look at the A/S indicator and to my surprise, I didn't have any ! ! ! I looked out there at the pitot and saw that the little flap was still closed. After landing at my destination I inspected and found the little spider hanging on with all eight legs to his "house" Funny thing is I didn't miss the A/S till I didn't have it !
During the first annual after getting my 170 the A&P removed my bug guard. When I asked him about it he said they cause more problems than they salve.
If this fellow lived any where the little bugs roll up leaves or cart little mud balls around looking for new homes - he wouldn't be knocking them little flappers. If you prefer a "Remove before flight cover" then have at it. My little flapper is just "very OK" cause I don't have to go looking for it when I'm done flying.
Last edited by flyguy on Mon Mar 23, 2009 10:44 pm, edited 2 times in total.
OLE GAR SEZ - 4 Boats, 4 Planes, 4 houses. I've got to quit collecting!
My experience was similar to what Miles had. I recall that during my preflight I gave the little flapper a flip. Unbenonced to me, that little flip cause the flapper to stick closed. Now, I am very ginger with my flipping of the flapper and have not had a problem since.
Moral of this story, strange as it may seem, is, to flip your flapper with care and finess.
Please be advised that the "Pitot Tube Bug Flap" being discussed here is a highly technical and complicated piece of aeronautical hardware and should not be tinkered with by other than an extremely well qualified aircraft maintenance technician. This piece of essential equipment is not something that should ever be fooled with by the average airplane owner. I have made a particular effort to become an expert on this device and have developed an annual inspection for it that has provided me with sterling reputation and a comfortable living over the years. By apointment only.
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'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention. An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
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I looked out there at the pitot and saw that the little flap was still closed. After landing at my destination I inspected and found the little spider hanging on with all eight legs to his "house" Funny thing is I didn't miss the A/S till I didn't have it ! 
