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REFLECTOR: simple fuel gauges



Friends,

Homebuilts are great because we can all do it "our way".  I would just
like mention that  Dan's original design goal was simplicity and
utility.  In the early eighties homebuilts were too small to be
practical and had a lot of parts.   The original prototype that flew in
August 84' had less parts and more room than any airplane to date.

The fuel gauges were, of course, sight gauge tubes.  The sump could be
viewed by pulling down the back seat bulkhead and looking at the level.
The only changes I did in my plane was to use the clear "Home Depot"
tubing and to install a post light by the tube.  My so called non fuel
proof  clear tubing takes about 5 years before it gets so stiff that it
should be replaced were as the "fuel proof"  milky stuff should be
changed every two years.  Mine never have leaked... much less come off.
Years ago I had a total engine failure right after take off in the
mountains in Costa Rica in my Maule because of a faulty reading from a
one year old, FAA, grade A choice, gov. certified fuel sender.   It was
close.
The Safety-Epolite-EZ-poxy has some styrene making it the most chemical
proof epoxy on the market.  I see no reason for adding other "better"
"fuel proof" coatings when our system has proven itself for more than a
decade now.

If you have any friends looking for the most plane for the dollar have
them take a serious look at the original STD FG canopy door Velocity.
For me it is easier to get into.....especially the back seat and baggage
with no roof in the way.  Their is room for a large duffel bag above the
rear seat and the no rear console leg room storage as well.  With one
com, a transponder, basic needle instruments and a hand held GPS it's a
simple to build, reliable, low maintance but capable airplane.

Alan