Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2000 23:04:47 -0500
From: Lynda Frantz <LFrantz@compuserve.com>
Subject: Static
Sender: Lynda Frantz <LFrantz@compuserve.com>
To: Marve Kay <Lancair.list@olsusa.com>
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>>
>Also, someone asked why this isn't a problem for cars.<

Cars don't go as fast thus don't build up such large electrical charges.  I
refer to our composite aircraft as flying dieletrics meaning once charged
they do not dissipate the charge very fast.  In effect we are flying large
dielectrics capable of storing some electrical energy, perhaps enough to
ignite fuel vapors under the right conditions.

The other end of the equation is the fuel nozel and hose.  By law, the fuel
nozel is grounded through the hose which helps prevent static from building
up as a result of fuel traveling through the hose.  Auto pumps do not pump
very many  gallons per minute thus would not build up as much static charge
as would an aircraft pump capable of pumping much faster.

BTW, I've read that St. Elmos(?) Fire that is sometimes seen on windscreens
and is also active inside your fuel tank does not have enough energy to
ignight fuel vapors.  Thank God for that good news.

Jim Frantz
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