Boot cowl top avionics access question:

[PhilBC]

What are thoughts regarding the requrement for a removeable access panel above/behind the instrument panel (under the windscreen) if we have 2 large 11.6” screens which can easily be removed for access? I generally favour more access, but those 2 large holes may render it unnecessary? Also interested in whether the BH factory still recommends it?
Thanks.

 

[Nev]

I have a large removable access on top of the instrument panel which I remove about once a year for a full inspection of the avionics. It makes access quite easy and I'd do it again (I've never bothered to remove the screens).

What I would do differently is have fewer screws to attach it, and instead of having screws along the forward edge under the windshield (difficult screwdriver access), I'd make another way to tuck the forward edge under the front boot cowl and thereby have it more easily removable.

 

[PhilBC]

Thanks Nev, that makes perfect sense. Nice pic too. Cheers

 

[Bcone1381]

I see your point that two large holes could remove the need for a top removable panel. The face of my panel is removable so I can set it in my lap as I sit in my seat and hopefully avoid laying down on my back looking up under the panel.

As I look at Nev's Photo, I see two fuselage tubes that connect the firewall to the Spar Carry-thru tubing. They form a VEE and penetrate the Boot Cowl. I'm curious how you plan to install the boot cowl, and work around them. Maybe you could rivet the top pice in where Nev put nutplate and machine screws. But we never know what we might want, and if you have to rivet it back together, then installing some nutplates is about the same effort.

 

[PhilBC]

I see your point that two large holes could remove the need for a top removable panel. The face of my panel is removable so I can set it in my lap as I sit in my seat and hopefully avoid laying down on my back looking up under the panel.

As I look at Nev's Photo, I see two fuselage tubes that connect the firewall to the Spar Carry-thru tubing. They form a VEE and penetrate the Boot Cowl. I'm curious how you plan to install the boot cowl, and work around them. Maybe you could rivet the top pice in where Nev put nutplate and machine screws. But we never know what we might want, and if you have to rivet it back together, then installing some nutplates is about the same effort.

Thanks Brooks. There’s actually plenty of room behind the cabane struts to make a smaller but reasonably sized access panel which will be fine combined with the front screen access. That should negate the necessity to use a tiny stubby screwdriver under the windscreen. Nev’s idea would also work. My avionics shop say they’re happy with access just via the large screens, but I’m toward adding the removeable panel above for ease and flexibility.