relief tubes

[Flybyjim]

This may not be a problem for you younger pilots but us older fellows need more relief during longer flights. Sooooo if any of you have made provisions in your plane for this purpose I would like to not re-envent the wheel. Any insight would be appreciated in this install.

[Av8r3400]

Having done several long x-country flights in my plane, my method is to schedule legs no longer than 2 hours. I can usually manage that length of time.

[Slyfox]

the problem with flying a kitfox is you are dealing with 2 sticks. I generally drop in altitude when attempting so go way up in altitude before doing your thing

the last time I needed to do this, all I had was my water bottle. needless to say that was no longer a water bottle.

I generally don't drink 1 hour before flying. and than I only take one drink per 15 minutes in the air. seems to slow down the need to go. than I only fly for an hour at a time

[jtpitkin06]

There are several problems associated with relief tube installation. Essentially there are two solutions. Retaining the waste in a bottle or bag. Or, draining it over board.

On board retention ranges from ziplock backs to Gatorade bottles. In a Kitfox that presents a problem getting the bottle low enough so it does not spill during the filling process. With a control stick in the way and a limited distance from the seat cushion to the floor it makes positioning difficult for men and near impossible for women.

For over board discharge a system consists of a funnel, tube, Venturi and heater. The Venturi provides suction to pull the fluid through the tube but Bernouli is alive and well. There is a big temperature drop at the Venturi and things can ice up on a 70 degree day in an instant. Don't even think of installing a Venturi system without a heater. You'll also need to find a suitable drain location so you do not have fluids weeping into the structure. Urine is pretty corrosive. You wouldn't want to have a dog peeing inside your fuselage... So you probably don't want to do it yourself.

The answer is a combination of the two systems. A bottle for storage. A hose connected to a funnel for input. This allows positioning for both men and women and the bottle can be placed down low near the rudder pedals. The bottle requires two hoses in the cap. One for fluid in and the other for a vent. The hoses should be soft like surgical tubing. When done you can seal the hoses with a clothes pin.

The hose and fittings should have at least a 3/8 inch ID to prevent back-up and overflow of the funnel. Use a heat gun to reshape the funnel into an oval for easier use by both men and women.

Be sure to carry some tissues as there is no room to "shake it off".

All of the above system may be homemade for just a few bucks. I recommend plastic bottles and maybe a spare cap without hoses as a back up when full. I find a 20 oz bottle is adequate but marginal in capacity. A liter bottle is better. Better too much capacity than one that is a wee bit too small.

One last suggestion. When you decide on a system, try it out on the ground, first. You'd be surprised at the gyrations necessary to get everything in position without spilling.

John Pitkin

[Slyfox]

one more note: coffee tends to make you go more. personal experience. I generally take two sips of water an hour before flying. than only every 15 minutes in the air. oh I go just before entering the aircraft. and that's not a walk down to the bathroom either.

[jrevens]

There are several problems associated with relief tube installation. Essentially there are two solutions. Retaining the waste in a bottle or bag. Or, draining it over board...

John Pitkin

That's excellent... it really covers the bases with some good suggestions. Thanks John! My technique has been to use a wide mouth Nalgeen bottle, but it sure does require some contortions - even more so in my T-18 than in a Kitfox. I don't think it would even be possible for me without at least a wing-leveller - that helps a lot. A big enough bottle sure is important, alright... trying to "shut it off" when you're not done can be "interesting" (especially when you're all bent over trying to get some clearance above the seat). You don't want to go there.

[Slyfox]

I'm a little guy. I can't imagine trying if I was a big guy. yes I have had to do the deed in air, no place to safely land either. I find that it is possible in a empty bottle. one of those red sporty things I think work the best because it has a big opening on the bottom. and a big one at the beginning. Like I said already, there are two sticks to deal with and the one not attached to me is the worse. it likes to go all over the place thus making the aircraft do the same and that is when things get real interesting. I also find if I unbuckle everything on my pants, that makes thing easier.


I know many a pilot that has their wife wear one of the adult diapers, or depends, and it works out real good for them. I will never say I wear one of those, but I assure you I never have. but if I ever did I wouldn't admit.