REFLECTOR: fire warning (was explosion)

[Jim Agnew]

Well Ronnie, I don't think that I'm crazy and long ago I
installed a "POSSIBLE FIRE DETECTION system" in my aft
cowling.  

Is the Velocity a time bomb, no, however it does have what
in my opinion is a serious defect in the lack of a fuel
cutoff.  If you do get a fire you have two choices, keep
the engine running and if it is a gas fire keep pumping gas
into the fire or shut your engine down and try to get on
the ground as soon as possible.  One problem, the prop will
probably windmill and keep pumping gas into the fire.

Now you know why I have a fuel cutoff valve in the plane on
the inside of the engine bulkhead.

It is an individual choice and you have either not thought
about the problem or have dismissed it. Others see that
there is a potential problem and are looking for solutions
and that is exactly what the reflector is for.

Jim



--- Tom Martino <tmartino@troubleshooter.com> wrote:
> Thank God the general public doesn't ready these
> postings!  A window in
> the firewall to see a fire?  Are we going mad?
>  
> It sounds as if Velocities are flying time bombs just
> waiting to burst
> into flames.  Come on ... lets get real.
>  
> We should put all of our efforts into preventing fires to
> begin with,
> then we should explore realistic detection equipment that
> won't require
> peaking through a freekin window behind the back seat.
>  
> I can jus imagine how that window will go over with my
> passengers:
>  
> "Tom, isn't that nice a rear window!"
>  
> Oh that, I put it there to spot flames in the engine
> compartment.
>  
> After fire detection, perhaps a fire suppression system
> would be in
> order.
>  
> Are Velocities that prone to fire?  Are we exaggerating? 
> 
>  
> Back on the topic of a window ... ever see your oven
> glass when smoke
> and fire actually erupt in the oven.  It goes black from
> soot.
>  
> I have to believe that there are other modifications we
> can do besides a
> fire window.
>  
>  
> 


=====
James F. Agnew
Jim_Agnew_2@Yahoo.Com
Tampa, FL
Velocity 173 Elite Aircraft Completed