HI Luc, I suspect that many of your questions have been answered however I
will share my thoughts:
On Wed, Aug 25, 2010 at 11:51 PM, Luc Michaud <rambug@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Now, I have gone through a bit all the stuff I received with the plane:
> classic builder's manual (circa 1996), owner's manual, rotax manuals,
> radios manuals, builder's log w/ photo album, airframe log, and engine log.
>
Carefully check the airframe log against all of the Mandatory modifications
published on the factory site. There will be many that need to be done on
an older Europa Classic.
>
> Here are my questions:
> 1. The underside of A059 is all grimy. What product can I use to clean the
> fuselage ?
>
My paint is 2 part epoxy which is resistant most things. I use alcohol cut
through grimy stuff and then soap and water.
> 2. According to the fuel system schema, I do not have a return line. I
> however see a line going back from just before the port carburetor fuel
> intake (seemingly to a junction at the main tank outlet ?). Was there a mod
> that changed this ? Can I get access to it ?
>
Yes, you need to put a return line back to the tank
> 3. I have the Classic fuel sight gauge with a clear tube going over a
> vertical hatched pattern to the right of the pilot's right knee. Is this
> system ok ? Should I only change the tubing to them blue tubes ?
>
I gave up trying to make my sight gauge work and I made a system designed by
Tony K that weights the fuel. You will need some electronic assembly skills
to build one. I did hear of a simpler approach where someone connected the
sensor into there Grand Rapids EIS.
Other ideas that work are float gauges and capacitance probes in the tank.
> 4. Should I re-do all the fuel tubing, knowing that the aircraft first flew
> nearly 11 years ago ?
>
Yes. I used automotive fuel injection hose. This type of hose is resistant
to the additives found in Auto gas.
> 5. What's the best material to change the fuel filler tube ? It stinks...
> Anyone looked at Goodyear products ?
>
I used an aluminum elbow and short lengths of rubber hose.
>
> 6. The ID plate of A059 is affixed on the removeable panel behind the
> baggage bay. Anyone did the same ? I think in Canada I'll get snagged on
> this.
>
The location will be dictated by CAA.
> 7. Gascolators... I'm looking to install them new ACS high-pressure
> gascolators. My inspector told me over the phone to install only 1, and
> that it should typically be installed at the lowest point of the fuel
> system, which would be in level flight the lowest part of the firewall.
> Should I install it after the electrical pump, over there ? I see a lot of
> discussions here about twin gascolator setups.
>
There are several different opinions among the people on the forum on the
idea fuel system design, but my opinion is to use parallel twin gascolator
setups and not to use the purlolator filters.
> 8. Cabin and Carb heat:
>
Skydirve make a nice carburetor heat system.
I live in North America and I find if it is a sunny day it is fine to fly in
the winter, but I remember coming back from Memphis in January on an
overcast day and we were miserably cold.
9. Am I correct to understand that the electrical system does not use any
> solenoid for the master switch ?
>
Some designs use a heavy duty master disconnect switch. It saves on the
current draw from a solenoid .
>
> 10. A059 relies on fuses, should I replace with breakers ?
>
Automotive blade fuses are more reliable. If you have round glass fuses
then they can potentially be a problem
> 11. How do I keep the airframe standing when I want to remove the MLG to
> change the bungees ?
>
I made some dummy spars and supporting legs to attach to them for when I am
working on my fuselage. Its a little bit of work but they have come in
handy over the years.
> 12. The surface of the wings is rather wobbly but no sign of delamination,
> Anything I should be looking out for ?
>
I am not sure if I understand this. If they are classic wings, then my
first concern would be de lamination. Have you tried a 'tap test' to
check. if not then I suppose its just an finish issue from when it was
originally built.
Regards, Paul
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