Return-Path: Received: from smtp3.gateway.net ([208.230.117.247]) by truman.olsusa.com (Post.Office MTA v3.5.1 release 219 ID# 0-52269U2500L250S0V35) with ESMTP id com for ; Thu, 12 Aug 1999 03:59:59 -0400 Received: from oemcomputer (1Cust166.tnt1.coeur-dalene.id.da.uu.net [208.254.107.166]) by smtp3.gateway.net (8.9.3/8.9.3) with SMTP id EAA20841 for ; Thu, 12 Aug 1999 04:03:16 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: <002601bee499$25dca920$a66bfed0@oemcomputer> Reply-To: "dfs" From: "dfs" To: "Lancair List" Subject: : Transfer to header tank Date: Thu, 12 Aug 1999 01:03:15 -0700 X-Mailing-List: lancair.list@olsusa.com Mime-Version: 1.0 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> To: Bill N7WB The only real reason I can think of for transferring fuel to the header tank is to keep the engine running. If that's a bit of extra pilot work-load, I guess I'll pay the price -- considering the alternative! Seriously, I can think of several reasons for this system configuration. One, and probably the most compelling, is the fact that should you lose all pumping capability (mechanical AND electrical - an admittedly low probability) AND your engine is normally aspirated, the head from a full header could probably keep the fires burning, though at a reduced power setting while you found somewhere smooth to set down. Second, I like the resultant CG with a full header - which continues to get more 'n more forward as the wings empty whilst the header is kept full. Third, I can get more fuel in the plane than if I had wing tanks only; it's on the center-line (lateral, anyway) without putting too much weight way outboard into the wing outer panels. Flew one that had fuel out there and I personally do not like all that mass that far outboard in a light aircraft like the Lancair. It's easy to train yourself to keep it full or you can use a timer. What's personally decidedly not easy is to remember to turn the d--- pumps off when the header is full. Do this and you'll pump fuel overboard thru the vent until you remember or start smelling the gas running back on your belly. That get's your attention *raht naow*!! Lots of simple ways around the problem - see info submitted on this subject in past LML's - probably prior to Dec '98. Dan Schaefer N235SP MT'ing good these days! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LML homepage: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html