Static Wicks

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   I am currently in the process of upgrading my Mooney 231 from the 'State-of-the-art' Silver Crown panel to a 540, 340, and 240 upgrade.  My question concerns the need for static wicks.  My airplane doesn't have any static wicks installed but I do have receptacles on the ailerons; I have no receptacles on the rudder or elevators.  I have occasionally had issues with static buildup using my old radios, but the tech installing the new stuff said they were much more sensitive and that I should put a full set of static wicks on the airplane.

I'm wondering what others have experienced in the real world and just how important static wicks will be in getting the most out of these new radios.  FYI - I am instrument rated and do fly in clouds when appropriate but I live in AZ and there just aren't many actual IFR days coming and going from home.  When I do fly IFR, though, I don't want to have any issues.

Thanks in advance!
Rick

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M20Kid Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 19 Aug 2015 Location: AZ Status: Offline Points: 79	Post Options Post Reply Quote M20Kid Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Static Wicks Posted: 13 Sep 2015 at 7:47pm
	I am currently in the process of upgrading my Mooney 231 from the 'State-of-the-art' Silver Crown panel to a 540, 340, and 240 upgrade. My question concerns the need for static wicks. My airplane doesn't have any static wicks installed but I do have receptacles on the ailerons; I have no receptacles on the rudder or elevators. I have occasionally had issues with static buildup using my old radios, but the tech installing the new stuff said they were much more sensitive and that I should put a full set of static wicks on the airplane. I'm wondering what others have experienced in the real world and just how important static wicks will be in getting the most out of these new radios. FYI - I am instrument rated and do fly in clouds when appropriate but I live in AZ and there just aren't many actual IFR days coming and going from home. When I do fly IFR, though, I don't want to have any issues. Thanks in advance! Rick

oskrypuch Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 09 Nov 2012 Location: CYFD Status: Offline Points: 3058	Post Options Post Reply Quote oskrypuch Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 13 Sep 2015 at 8:58pm
	Static wicks, when it matters, are not that important with speeds below 200 IAS. That said, they look cool and are only $60 each. Go for it! I have a full set. * Orest

Royski Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 26 Feb 2013 Status: Offline Points: 87	Post Options Post Reply Quote Royski Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14 Sep 2015 at 9:44am
	FWIW, my Mooney 201 had no static wicks. I have done a modest amount of IMC flying since installing the 540 and have noticed no problems with static.

M20Kid Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 19 Aug 2015 Location: AZ Status: Offline Points: 79	Post Options Post Reply Quote M20Kid Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 14 Sep 2015 at 10:26am
	Thank you, Royski. That's what I need to know. I think I'll try it without any and see if it appears to cause any issues.