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Re: REFLECTOR: Fuel system safety
We have a mechanical fuel shutoff at the exit of the sump tank going to the
engine, operated by a locking control cable that is in the top of the baggage
compartment, in a "shielded" separate section, at the pilot's left shoulder.
It's easy to operate. It's not what one needs in some fires, but could be
useful in others. Joe Connally
Al Gietzen wrote:
> Not that I like raising tough and uncomfortable questions; but something to
> consider:
>
> This fuel shutoff/no fuel shutoff debate still bothers me. On certified
> airplanes emergency check list for a forced landing is always "turn off main
> fuel supply"; hopefull to reduce the likelyhood of a serious fire. One of
> the major causes of serious injury or death after a crash is fire. Is our
> rear engine composite fundamentally different in its fire hazard?
>
> A shutoff valve between sump tank and engine would reduce the risks of
> sustained fire aft of the engine bulkhead. But, of course, we have fuel
> lines and a fuel tank inside our cabin. What precautions can/should we take
> to reduce hazard of a fuel fed fire after a crash? Should we use only
> metalic fireproof lines? Does firesleeve over any flexible neoprene line
> help the situation. Does a shutoff valve at the exit from each main tank
> make any sense? How do we fireproof the sump tank?
>
> It seems like some creative thought to these questions might have some merit
> in risk reduction. Perhaps others who have thought this through can shed
> some light.
>
> Thanks
>
> Al Gietzen