Message-ID: <20001208173947.9869.qmail@web117.yahoomail.com>
Date: Fri, 8 Dec 2000 09:39:46 -0800 (PST)
From: Gary Matusch <zsail@yahoo.com>
Subject: header tanks and sight gages
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Mime-Version: 1.0

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It seems to me the whole concept of header tanks and
sight gages that may be subject to breaking or
cracking are an extreme danger in a hot plane such as
the lancair.

The worst case would be a leaking or broken sight gage
while in flight.  The gage would be leaking fuel into
the cockpit. Possibly on the pilot or passenger
directly.  If the sight glass was entirely compromised
the loss of fuel would drain the header tank and force
a emergency landing.  That would not be the time to
land off field in a hot plane with gas in the cockpit.
 

I still can see no reason for the header tank.  The
only two reasons I have found are:

 1. It is a comfort knowing that a few gallons of fuel
remain.  ie the sight gage looking back at me.  This
would be true if it were a separate tank that could be
switched to after the main goes dry.  But the system
employed with most lancairs is to make the header in
series with the main.  This means on most flights you
run the risk of running out of fuel several times per
flight.  There have been several systems make to
automate the filling of the header tank.  The kiss
principle should be applied.  adding added pumps/float
gages and automated switching equipment surly can't
make the system more reliable. As a reading assignment
check out;
http://www.avweb.com/articles/pelperch/pelp0007.html

2. Aerobatics are better done with dry main tanks and
the fuel on the center line of the aircraft.   This is
true but it is not the main reason lancairs are
popular.  The Glassair's used a header tank but it was
usually a separate tank used only when the range need
it or if the person was doing aerobatics.  It usually
was was a separate tank.  They would switch between
the main or header. 

I'll get off my soap box and let other minds add or
tear up my arguments.  


Good flying 

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