---From recent discussions on fuel filling and measurement systems could I
please ask some questions.
(i) Whilst building my kit I have many times looked at the fuel filler
cap, building a Tri Gear (I know the wimps version) the fuel filler cap is
4 ' 9" high. I have wondered how you lift jerry cans that high to fill the
tank without spillage. I was therefore interested in the recent article
where the fuel can is pressurised with a foot pump and delivered by tube.
Does anyone have more details on this method, specs etc. Are there any
disadvantages or risks with this method, fuel can be you best friend or
worst enemy?
(ii) The discussions on fuel measurment have raised many interesting
points, I would like to add a couple of ideas probably to be disregarded.
The currently available capacitance fuel gauges require a hole to be cut
in the top of tank, as a retro fit this is difficult and not everyone wants
to damage the integrity of the tank. Could the sender tube (I understand
they can be bent) not be installed through the same point as the top vent
tube in the tank. By using a modified ali insert instead of F09B to hold
the sender and the top vent tube access, the sender could go down into the
starboard side of the tank using the port side as the reserve.
Also from experience with Cessna's and Piper's I do prefer to look at the
fuel rather than rely on gauges at pre flight checks. If it is accepted
that the integrity of the tank is to be broken by cutting a hole in the
top. Could a smaller hole, be made instead, housing say a 30mm dia
laminated glass disc be mounted in a ali flange. An internal graduated rod
could then be seen with a little external illumination of the tank from a
small light. Centrally fitted between the headrests it could be viewed from
the pilot seat.
I am sure there are good reasons against the above ideas, sorry if they
have been discussed before, being new to the list I may be repeating
previously discussed items.
(iii) Having recently made the NACA duct on the top cowling, I was
wondering where its name came from, Nice And Cheap Airduct? Could this be a
first in aviation somthing cheap, or is the effect it has on flys when they
hit it at 120kts any thoughts?
|