There are lots of aftermarket automotive TPMS systems available for cars, trailers, motorcycles etc but most I've read about have quality issues. Has anyone found a product that consistently works good on aircraft? Possible issues could be temperature (some have a temp limit of -20C), tire balance, causing a leak in an otherwise good tire. One system shuts down when after a while of no wheels turning. That's not gonna work.
I'm not so concerned about a tire going flat while airborne (although it's possible and I would like to know before touchdown), I'm curious about tire pressure changes with altitude, temperature and just with the aircraft weight off the tire. TPMS would also be a more convenient and hopefully accurate way of checking tire pressure without have to mess around with wheel pants.
By the way, I have learned not to top up a tire immediately prior to flight because if the shrader (sp?) valve doesn't seat properly, and you don't notice the faint sound, or check with soapy water (who does that?). the tire will leak down during flight. There's not much air in our tires so a leak doesn't take long to be critical.
Bevan
I'm not so concerned about a tire going flat while airborne (although it's possible and I would like to know before touchdown), I'm curious about tire pressure changes with altitude, temperature and just with the aircraft weight off the tire. TPMS would also be a more convenient and hopefully accurate way of checking tire pressure without have to mess around with wheel pants.
By the way, I have learned not to top up a tire immediately prior to flight because if the shrader (sp?) valve doesn't seat properly, and you don't notice the faint sound, or check with soapy water (who does that?). the tire will leak down during flight. There's not much air in our tires so a leak doesn't take long to be critical.
Bevan
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