I'm down to the final home stretch now on Kit #120221 and hope to fly by Memorial Day. The engine is mounted and practically ready for first start. Skyview is in-hand and the wiring modifications are going as well as can be expected. Which brings me to the fuel tank.
This past weekend I was showing my completed and leak tested fuel tank to a friend who has built an RV-9. We discussed the sight glass and the problems many RV-12 builders are having with leakage in this area. I described to him how the Moeller fuel gauge is being used as a retrofit with the sight glass area blanked off after E-LSA certification has been received. We then discussed Service Bulletin 11-12-14 (Frangible Bolts), which requires removing the access opening from the front of the tank and subsequent resealing. His suggestion was so simple, that I was kicking myself mentally for not thinking of it first.
Install the fuel tank as-is, optain E-LSA certification, and fly the plane. Order all parts for a replacement fuel tank from Van's, including the Moeller fuel gauge from another source. Build the replacement tank with all the desired/recommended modifications and then install it during the first annual inspection or when the first leak appears in the in-service tank, whichever comes first. Why go to the trouble of tearing into a perfectly good fuel tank, which will delay project completion? Brilliant!!!
Any differing opinions?
This past weekend I was showing my completed and leak tested fuel tank to a friend who has built an RV-9. We discussed the sight glass and the problems many RV-12 builders are having with leakage in this area. I described to him how the Moeller fuel gauge is being used as a retrofit with the sight glass area blanked off after E-LSA certification has been received. We then discussed Service Bulletin 11-12-14 (Frangible Bolts), which requires removing the access opening from the front of the tank and subsequent resealing. His suggestion was so simple, that I was kicking myself mentally for not thinking of it first.
Install the fuel tank as-is, optain E-LSA certification, and fly the plane. Order all parts for a replacement fuel tank from Van's, including the Moeller fuel gauge from another source. Build the replacement tank with all the desired/recommended modifications and then install it during the first annual inspection or when the first leak appears in the in-service tank, whichever comes first. Why go to the trouble of tearing into a perfectly good fuel tank, which will delay project completion? Brilliant!!!
Any differing opinions?