For a number of reasons I was never really comfortable using a foamy ear plug to fill the stall-port on the DA20. I wanted to find a better way without spending $35 on a commercially available stall-port plug. So here is my solution for an inexpensive plug that is effective, robust, and inexpensive.
It uses a 1/4 inch vacuum-line plug. These are available in packages of 50 for about $10 on eBay or Amazon.
Parts list:
- 1/4 inch vacuum-line plug
- small Nylon tie-wrap
- silicone RTV
- PVC flagging tape
Take an X-acto knife and cut a slit in the vacuum-plug for the tie-wrap. Fill the vacuum cap with RTV. Insert tie-wrap. Let RTV dry completely (takes a couple days). Make a loop out of tie-wrap and trim end. Cut flagging tape to desired length and loop through tie-wrap. DONE!
The tie-wrap loop acts like a handle for insertion and removal of the plug. The dry RTV adds structural integrity to the vacuum-plug.
Cost per plug: $.25
Photos follow:
Inexpensive Stall-Port Plug <$1
Moderators: Rick, Lance Murray
- Joey
- 4 Diamonds Member
- Posts: 263
- Joined: Wed Aug 11, 2010 2:31 am
- First Name: Joey
- Aircraft Type: DA40
- Aircraft Registration: N633DC
- Airports: KJGG
- Has thanked: 11 times
- Been thanked: 17 times
Re: Inexpensive Stall-Port Plug <$1
clever! Thanks for sharing.
Joey Ritchie
DA40 XLS 40.940
JGG Williamsburg VA
DA40 XLS 40.940
JGG Williamsburg VA