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IMHO it is a no brainer. Never fill the tanks beyond standard range unless
you want to fly a great distance, that will reduce the need to drain the
tanks. The incremental work in building the extra range into the tanks is
insignificant in the grander scheme of things, took me all of a day extra on
each tank. The added risk of leaks is real, but then overkilling the sealing
seemed to work on my tanks. I haven't completed my ES yet, so I have no idea
of the weight.

I have spent seven hours in a Skylane (extended range tanks) during a storm
on the west coast. We were two IFR pilots in the cockpit and thus it was a
manageable event, albeit tiring.

Fortunately we are building our own airplanes and can decided for ourselves
what features they will have. It really all comes down to personal choice, I
intend doing transoceanic flying, so an extended range tank is a must for
me. If you don't want to fly more than a 1000 or so miles in one sitting,
then make your choice.

Pat
"Only three short years to go!"
http://www.teleport.com/~peweston

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