<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
         <<  Lancair Builders' Mail List  >>
         <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Curtis
A general philosophy I used during building was to make it removable if it could
be made removable.  You never know why you may want to get access later.  In my
case, I placed additional fuel probes in the outboard fuel bay.  I also mounted
my GPS antenna in the left tip, so I had additional motivation to make the tips
removable.  Other benefits soon became evident.  It is easier to carry and
maneuver the wings during painting and maintenance without the tips.  I slide an
aluminum or steel tube down the PVC conduit and create a temporary handle.  I
used this to support and rotate the wings on saw horses during painting.  I also
have access to my removable fuel tank vents which I have adjusted and modified
over the years.  On the right side I added a relief valve that vents inside the
wing tip in case the vents ice up and I start pulling a vacuum in the tank.  I
was also able to measure the ram pressure inside the tank by teeing into the
vent line.  This allowed me to adjust the vents to achieve a slight positive
pressure while avoiding high positive pressures or even negative pressures (I
encountered both extremes).  All this tinkering would not have been possible
with permanent tips.  If you are really concerned about aesthetics, you can use
judiciously placed stripes to hide the seam.  If I had to do it again I would
certainly make them removable.
Chris Zavatson
N91CZ
L360std

LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
LML Builders' Bookstore:   http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair

Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.