Bruce's Cowl Plugs
By Mark Pensenstadler
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My hangar does not have a finished floor. Currently, it is a very uneven gravel and because of this the bottom of the walls are open in some places. I visited the hangar once to find little cat foot prints all over the top of my wings. With the openings in the hangar, birds can easily find their way in.  

I wanted to prevent my engine compartment from becoming a home to birds so I ordered a set of cowl plugs from Bruce's Custom Covers. When I ordered them, the website indicated the order could take up to 5 weeks. I was happy that my cowl plugs showed up on my door step within a week! 

My initial impression with the cowl plugs was that they are way better quality than I was expecting. They are made from a thick vinyl material with a removable foam insert. Both plugs have a string running from one to the other to keep the pair together. As you can see I have my N-number embroidered into the plugs and this was done at no extra charge. The flags and flagpoles are all glued together so you don't have to worry about them falling out. 

How do they fit? I installed the left side first and was disappointed that it fit in the opening very loosely. I think if I used these outside in a strong wind the wind would catch the flag and pull the plug right out. The right side fits perfectly-snug but not too tight. This side would definitely stay in place in a strong wind. My airplane is always hangared and the plugs are there only to prevent birds from setting up a home in the engine compartment so the plugs will work as designed.  

I will call Bruce's Custom Covers and see if they can send me a larger foam insert for the left side to make it fit a little tighter. 

My final thoughts are that I am very happy with the plugs. They are very high quality, will do the job they are designed for, and will last forever.