TECH COUNSELOR REPORT
KEEP THE FIRE WHERE IT BELONGS: PART 2
Last month I covered some precautions about the electrical system installation. This month, I will discuss the fuel system.
The only time fuel should see a spark is inside the engine on the compression stroke but sparks or ignition sources can occur in places that can create a fire. Fuel needs to be contained in properly vented tanks and the fuel transferred to the carburetor in the most direct means possible, with a minimum of connections. Every “T”, clamp, valve, etc, introduced into the line just creates another potential leak point.
From the firewall forward, it is especially important that fuel lines be constructed of aviation grade hoses and fittings, and also fitted with “fire sleeve” insulating material.
Keep the fuel lines away from the exhaust pipes as much as possible. Do not bundle fuel lines or primer lines with electrical wires. Locate fuel lines such that if a leak or drip occurs, it does not land on electrical wiring or hot exhaust.
Most mechanical fuel pumps that are driven off the engine accessory case have a “dump vent” that will drip or pump fuel overboard, should the diaphragm in the fuel pump start to fail. For safety, be sure to install a fire resistant line from the fuel pump vent to a location outside the cowl and clear of the exhaust pipes.
When starting an engine, it is possible to “over-prime” or flood the engine. I have watched fuel stream out of carburetors and puddle on the ground. I witnessed an engine start after it was flooded and the exhaust flame then set fire to the fuel puddle that had soaked into dry grass. The pilot taxied clear of the grass fire, but the (Salem, OR) airport fire truck was needed to suppress the fire that started.
To keep us on our toes, the FAA has issued a Special Airworthiness Service Bulletin, CE-05-02R1, which says to carefully inspect the rigid tubing used to carry flammable fluids. For details, see this web site: http://www.faa.gov/certification/aircraft/av-info/ad/saibs/CE-05-02R1.pdf Information on this site is an FAA recommendation and not mandatory, but it does make good sense to do what it says.
ARCHER ELITE FLIES DECEMBER 28, 2004
After 8 years of building and assembly, the Archer Elite took to the skies of Kelso Tuesday, December 28, 2004. The foggy weather finally lifted in the afternoon, and the winds were light out of the north.
Sandy Archer, along with Mike Lewis as video cameraman, used the C-172 to follow Sam as he climbed out and orbited the airport. Ground observers included Mike Proshold and Jerry Sorrell. The flight was no more than 20 minutes and Sam’s primary purpose was just to make a basic flight and one landing as the starting point of his phase 1 test flying.
Congratulations were given, but it was too cold to pour any champagne on Sam. All said, the flight was good and no surprises. That’s the way to do it!
Next Meeting: Kelso FBO on Thursday, January 6th at 7:00p.m.
Board Meeting at 6:00p.m.