Pilot Relief
It might sound like a simple task at first. However, there are some issues to consider before installing a pilot relief system that is best for you.
Dehydration
From a past article on dehydration, we decided we must drink water while flying and drink enough water so that we are required to go pee during the flight. My personal goal is to do it at least every hour.
Pee Considerations
Before installing your pilot relief system, let's take a look at a few not-so-fun facts about that yellow stream.
Pee is corrosive
A leak in the bottom of the seatpan, soaking the control rods, CG hook, belts, parachute, etc., will be just a few of the issues with a malfunction in the cockpit area. A leak can be hard to detect until the seatpan is removed (hopefully during the annual). The landing gear is another hotspot for corrosion, but it is usually easy to spot on a pre-flight. A hidden issue we often find when removing the rudder is significant corrosion or rust around the bottom rudder hinge.
An external relief system where the spray isn’t clearing the slipstream and returning into the glider around the rudder cables is not sound.
Pee smells bad
Maybe it didn’t smell this morning, but when you are essentially spraying the inside of your glider and leaving it to evaporate off every weekend for the next 20 years, it does. I’ve had some gliders smell pretty awful without the help of mice. If the glider smells like pee, there is a problem.
If you can smell it, something is leaking. I came across a question on Facebook from a towpilot: “I can smell the exhaust, is that a problem?” I think the odor is a good sign that there is a leak.
Pee freezes
It’s probably not a surprise, and you already know this. However, it's surprising if there is a low spot in your system and the tube freezes. Imagine your catheter inflating like a balloon and trying to stop mid-pee. It’s like a cartoon in slow motion, but quickly speeds up as it gets closer to the ultimate cockpit water balloon fight, where you lose.
Going pee
Now, only if it were as easy as going into your own private throne room, but it’s not. It’s hot, it’s bumpy, it’s cold. You have to continue to fly the glider and keep an eye out for traffic. Either you are doing it while on a cruise and searching for the next thermal, or you're thermalling and trying to stay centered while figuring out when to leave. Everyone has their preference; it is more about when you are willing to take the distraction.
The system you choose will be the one that you find easy to operate and that works well for your body. Always practice in the privacy of your bathtub first. Also, remember to have an open discussion with your A&P before you get the drill gun out.
Banner photo by Bo Michalowski
Garret Willat holds a flight instructor rating with over 8000 hours in sailplanes. His parents have owned Sky Sailing Inc. since 1979. He started instructing the day after his 18th birthday. Since then, Garret has represented the US Junior team in 2003 and 2005. He graduated from Embry-Riddle with a bachelor's degree in Professional Aeronautics. Garret represented the US Open Class team in 2008 and 2010 and the Club Class team in 2014. Garret has won 3 US National Championships.
