Thanks John,
Just to put your mind at rest, yes all of the issues you highlighted
were considered and I am confident that the change to an aluminium tank
eliminating all of the issues that are experienced with the plastic tank
is a major improvement.
Loads and CofG were calculated and tank pressure tested.
The experimental system as we have in New Zealand has proven that it
does not compromise safety. We have an excellent record, one that is
improving all of the time.
The freedom it gives in being able to design and build virtually
whatever you like can only be the envy of those countries that do not
have it.
Regards
Sue and Bill Sisley
On 25/03/2014 9:19 a.m., John Wighton wrote:
>
> Sorry to be seen as a spoil sport. The intention was to highlight a very real
problem- mods and improvements that are excellently executed but may not
maintain
a level of safety in relation to the original design. The main point, in
this instance, is that a pressure test is a no-brainer (how else do you know
it will maintain its contents under all flight conditions?).
>
> Yes in the UK we do have a formal system of approving modifications. Yes it
would be great to have the Experimental system (as per US). That system allows
for great innovation and enables developers to get their aircraft flying without
much of the cost that has to be incurred in the UK (and other countries which
follow our system, of which there are many). What is does not do is allow
people to do what they want. Basic testing and calculations can not be
circumnavigated
with risk of a failure. Failures kill people.
>
> Suggesting that a test may be required for a fuel tank may seem like a
> dampener
to you. To me, as an aeronautical engineer, it is a mandatory action. Whats
more it costs nothing to do it. As l say a no-brainer.
>
> --------
> John Wighton
> Europa XS trigear G-IPOD
>
>
> Read this topic online here:
>
> http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=420946#420946
>
>
|