To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 20:41:56 -0600
Subject: Re: Electrical bonding for static buildup
Message-ID: <20000227.204218.-791429.3.Earl_Schroeder@juno.com>
From: Earl E Schroeder <earl_schroeder@juno.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0

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I do not pretend to be an expert in this field but IMHO and after
attending numerous
forums where this was discussed at OSH over the years, I believe bonding
has more benefits for reducing radio interference and improving radio
reception than preventing explosions during refueling.

That said, if bonding DOES reduce the spark potential in any way, that
alone is enough  reason for doing it.  In my LNC2 I have bonded the
filler neck to the vent line to the al tubing (which the aileron push
tube passes through) to the rest of the metal parts of the airframe and
finally to the engine.  Where al is connected to al I used al welding
filler rods (3/32" or what ever size was handy) wrapping them around each
part several rounds. I drilled a small hole in the far end of the filler
neck to attach the ground wire with a small bolt & nut.  Other places I
used ground straps (like battery grounds only smaller) purchased at
fly-markets.

I intend to FIRST connect the grounding line (available at nearly all
refueling stations)
to the exhaust pipes on the engine, then with the metal refueling nozzle
in one hand remove the fuel cap with the other.  Holding my breath, I
insert the nozzle touching the metal ring, begin refueling and resume
normal breathing.... hopefully.

Again IMHO, I believe the possibility of a near lighting strike (just a
'leader') and it's associated mega current searching for the least
conductive path is a much more serious threat to turning the Lancair into
an instant bomb than from refueling.  I've also attended numerous Osh
forums on this subject and it literally scares your pants off....
The picture of the Piper with its blown off fiberglass wing tip caused by
the instant vaporization(causing pressure build up) of the 18 ga wire
running to the nav light really got my attention.  Crashes where the
control rods were welded together at the hinge joints also makes me avoid
thunderstorm areas even wider.  Then they show vertical lightning coming
out the top of clouds and report that lightning has been observed in
clear air with no clouds in sight......  I know, maybe we worry too
much..  

 Earl

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