Brake Fairings?

[Ryan Smith]

Hey guys,

I've seen a few 170s with brake fairings on the wheelpants and I think they look pretty nice. If nothing else, it cleans up the inside of the gear leg and appears to give some added protection to the lower section of brake line.

Any PIREPS on them amongst the membership here? Are they all fiberglass, or are there some that are are metal? What's the "snakeoil coefficient" (meaning do they add any tangible benefit other than looks, or do they simply serve as something else to get in the way/break/get frowned upon during a ramp check)? What is the approval required to add them, if any? Any downside to them other than being simply another piece of something tacked to the airframe?

Lastly, where does one procure such a various and sundry item?

Best regards,

Ryan

[n2582d]

Here's what the 1953-62 C-180-182 IPC shows. I don't think they were intended to go together with the wheel pants. As you can see by the link below it would be a challenge to get them to work with Cleveland brakes.

Speed Fairing.jpg

Here's some pictures of the installation.

[blueldr]

One of our members,John Pugliese, in Fresno,CA, used to sell a set of brake covers that fit C-170 and had them on his airplane.

[edbooth]

I bought a set of these from John back about 1979. They fit perfect and very easy to install and remove. They were very good quality fiberglass. I think at the time they were about 20 bucks. Don't do anything for performance, but they sure look nice. John May still have some.