aerobatic mods

[Joew]

I have another question for you all. I was planning on doing the aerobatic mods for one fuel tank as referenced in Vans plans. I even manufactued all of the parts required.
This morning, I was thinking as I am begining to build the left tank (one with the mods) why? Was I going to perform "sustained" inverted flight? If so, then I would also need a inverted oil system-is that worth the money. Fuel Injection is a given though.

I dont think I will ever do sustained inverted flight, a loop, a roll- maybe. Is it worth the added inspection requirements and worry regarding the flop tube.

I can always put it in, and "down the road" put an inverted system in, put what are the chances of that?

What are you thoughts and what did you decide.

Thanks,

Joe

[cjensen]

I put one in my left tank "just in case". I didn't go any further than that...no inverted oil or fuel, and no fuel injection. That doesn't mean you can't go upside-down tho...

No harm in putting the flop tube in as it's an easy mod, then decide on the other stuff later on.

[bullojm1]

Joe,

I didn't make the modification. The flop tube stiffens over time and must be replaced if you ever want to go inverted. Seemed like a maintenance issue to me for someone who never intends on going upside down (no inverted oil).

Mike B

[cjensen]

Joe,

I didn't make the modification. The flop tube stiffens over time and must be replaced if you ever want to go inverted. Seemed like a maintenance issue to me for someone who never intends on going upside down (no inverted oil).

Mike B

This is true about the flop tube stiffening over time...but inverted oil isn't required to go upside-down. Nice to have for piece of mind, but not needed.

[bullojm1]

This is true about the flop tube stiffening over time...but inverted oil isn't required to go upside-down. Nice to have for piece of mind, but not needed.

Let me rephrase - prolonged inverted flight, AKA negative G's.

[cjensen]

Let me rephrase - prolonged inverted flight, AKA negative G's.

There we go...on the same page now!

[BSwayze]

I did the same thing as Mike, after reading about the stiffening of the flop tubes, and installed standard pick-ups in both tanks. I'm going with fuel injection, too. But even with standard fuel pick-ups, I still plan on doing some gentlemanly aerobatics. I'm sure I'll be able to do everything that my stomach can handle.

[captain_john]

Joe,

I put a flop tube in one tank just like most people because I didn't want to come unported in case I goofed up a nice positive G maneuver.

Also, I didn't install in inverted oil system or anything else like that. Stirrups on the pedals are a must too, in my mind if you want to go all out. Your feet really do tend to fall off the pedals if not.

In hind sight, I wouldn't have installed the flop tube if I were to do it again.

HEY! I just noticed that you are 1 hour from Solon. I always stop there on the way to OSH and visit my cousin. Count on me stopping by to visit you on my way through town this summer!

CJ

[Joew]

T.

[Joew]

Thanks for all the feed back. I appreciate your input. I was thinking about the future maint. issue and how tough it would be to replace the flop tube in the future.

Right now I'm thinking fuel injection and horizontal induction (I still have time, but would like to plan accordingly) . I even made allowances for a vapor return line that I can plug if not needed.

captain john, youre always welcome over. I'm about 9 miles east of Wellington and a little farther to the west of 1G5 (medina).


Thanks again

[captain_john]

Joe,

I will shoot you a message this summer!

CJ