Hangar Debrief
EAA member Ed Zaleski measures the fuel fow in the level-fight position of a Jabiru-powered Texas Sport Cub. A 2-quart measuring cup works well for this.
Fuel System Testing
By Dave Prizio
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
recently released a report on its study of experimental
airplane accidents. A copy of that report, The Safety
of Experimental Amateur-Built Aircraft, can be viewed
here. It noted a significantly higher accident rate for experimental versus certificated aircraft. Although many
of their concerns related more to training than to the
construction and functioning of the aircraft involved, the
report did zero in on fuel system problems, especially
during first flights and Phase 1 flight testing. Based
on its findings, the NTSB recommended adding new
regulations to the experimental amateur-built (E-AB)
airworthiness certificate process, including mandatory
fuel system testing.
The EAA and its Homebuilt Aircraft Council do not agree
with the need for added regulations, but we do agree
that more emphasis needs to be made on proper fuel
system testing prior to first flight and prior to flight after
any fuel system modification. However, our approach to
the problem is to create and promote a voluntary program to address this concern. With a strong voluntary
effort, we can get the results we need without adding
burdensome regulations.
We agree with the NTSB that fuel system problems can
cause serious, even fatal, accidents, and we agree that we
need to do what we can to reduce these preventable accidents. Fuel system testing before first flight and after fuel
system modifications can save lives. We understand that
this testing is difficult and time-consuming, but it is also
necessary. Voluntary compliance will save lives and save
us from more rules.
Let's look at the kind of testing that is really needed to
ensure that your fuel system is truly airworthy:
1. We need to make sure we have adequate fuel flow in
level flight at maximum power.
2. We need to be sure that we can maintain that fuel
EAA Experimenter
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