WingedFrog
Well Known Member
There have been a lot of critics about the sight windows in the fuel tank, to the point where some have decided to close them after putting some other device as substitute. After a few weeks of flying, I have come to the conclusion that these little windows are very useful and, IMHO almost irreplaceable. Indeed, as a pre-flight check item, it is the only measurement of fuel that is 100% trustworthy. Contrary to what some have claimed, it is not that difficult to read: from behind the left wing with the help of a good flash light. It is very precise with 33 windows covering 20 gallons, this is less that 1 gal per window. Reading the windows in flight? Nonsense if you did your job in preparing your flight. Even in case of inflight failure of either the tank gauge or the fuel flow meter, there is enough redundancy with these additional devices to determine what the problem is and if both seem to fail at the same time, you will not need to look at the window to know that you have a fuel leak and you better get on the ground in a hurry. I admit that a gauge that can be visualized while refueling may be useful but if it is based on a float as the Moeller gauge is, it will not be precise enough for the last gallon and you still will be at risk of overflow if you are not careful when close to full tank.
In conclusion, I am puzzled that VANs fell under the pressure of the Moeller gauge lobby, their window sight is unbeatable in simplicity and it will never lie about the amount of fuel in your tank: KISS!![Stick out tongue :p :p](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
In conclusion, I am puzzled that VANs fell under the pressure of the Moeller gauge lobby, their window sight is unbeatable in simplicity and it will never lie about the amount of fuel in your tank: KISS!