matt walsh

HI fellow savvy owners, if you use a tablet what is your mounting set up?? I'm thinking that the RAM brand mounting units might be useful, Your thoughts pictures etc will be appreciated. Thanks Matt

Guy, Do you use the standard TJ or with the extra adapter ie I am warming to this prouct. To be clear, is the procedure with both sized containers: Raise and invert TJ over wing filler hole, lower/insert spout into filler hoe, push TJ down, filling occurs until TJ empty or stops discharging because tank is full, raise and remove TJ all without a drop?? It sounds very appealing if this is correct? Your confirmation of this process be appreciated. Thanks Matt

Hi Guy, These containers are reputed to fill fast and anything that Geoff Ballard sells/promotes is good gear (basd on previous knowledge). You say that you fill whilst standing on the ground. Some questions on your filling method if I may, Do you filter the fuel using Mr Funnel etc when you fill your Tuff Jug or not bother, When you hoist the TJ up to wing tank, do you sit the container on the filler lip/hole or hold it there above the filer hole. I think you have to push the nozzle against a firm surface to discharge. Your filling sounds easy and not awkward but I'm picturing me holding a 20litre canister well above my head and offset and thinking that doesn't sound comfortable or easy. You maybe taller than my 170cm stature and this would help. Do you have several TJ's or just refill each time from a "standard" 20 litre container?? Appreciate your contribution to this subject and look forward to your reply. Thanks Matt Walsh

SD, thanks for more details of your setup and approx. flow rates. I'd be happy with 4-5 mins/20 litre container, I reckon 2-3 mins plus for current lifting and pouring direct to tank procedure. Pmccarthy, thanks for suggested pump brand. Wrapping it up, I think the electric options are the preferred options, either the budget priced SD/pmccarthy components or the more costly Fill Rite RD812NH proprietary pump. This options will utilize most of my existing kit and probably the simplest for me. I do appreciate there are risks and note your mitigating measures. You are not responsible in any way for my actions, equipment and methods and what I do is my fully and completely my responsibility. Thanks again all contributors.

Hi pmccarthy, thanks for this suggestion and pump is readily available from SuperCheap. With these pump types (essentially for cars where the inlet and outlet levels are similar, I am interested to know whether they will discharge to height ie 1-2 metres from ground to wing tank height. If the container has to be close to the wing filler hole, then no a real advantage over my "sit on the wing and gravity drain" arrangement, although not having to hoist 1 full 20 litre container on the wing is an advantage. I'm really looking for ground based fuelling arrangement. Your thoughts on pumping capability of this one??

Afternoon SkippyDiesel ( whats your name as prefer to use it rather than a black hopper, if that's ok and fine if not!!) Thanks for displaying your set up. What is the actual delivery rate ie how many minutes to empty a 20 litre container that's sitting on ground and discharge is to high wing tank?? Couple of thoughts on your wiring arrangement: 1. Would a single connector from pump wires to battery supply wires being preferable to alligator clips which can spark on connection ?? the cable from battery could be permanently attached using normal battery post terminals or just drill into post and screw and washer fixing. 2. Any concern with rocker switch being source of ignition ? Will appreciate your response, thanks Matt Walsh More research on electric pumps suggests few pumps approved/bulit for gasoline use: The following seem best of the lot and very reputable manufacturers. The above Fill Rites should cost about $410-430 AUS delivered. Cant buy cheaper in Aus. This look a great set up, not cheap but would last forever and is certainly built for petrol transfer. The hoses woudl be rated for fuel transfer also ie static build up. Above unit is designed for aviation fuel etc. Dearer than Fill Rite and is bare unit without hoses and nozzle ( add another $100). so likely to be say $650 AUD setup cost.

Dear Onetrack,SSCBD and Wayne, Thanks for your respective inputs and suggestions. I like each system and reckon each will have their relative attractions and suppoprters OneTrack, I wont argue with 30+ years in the scrub and will have a crack at setting my rotary pump up like yours, like the hook on discharge pipe. I assume you filter the fuel that goes into the container you insert pump to?? ie decant from one container into final container through a Mr Funnel?? SSCBD, But I am attracted to this simple compact 12vDC pump set up. Do you have any experience in these or knowledge of pilots using them?? Wayne, I am aware that Tanami has model for fitting plastic containers, Do you get a OK seal onto the container?? Also do you let the 12v air compressor (ie a small car type one??) just run and it turns off when enough pressure or do you have to frequently pressurizer the container?? Thanks heaps for your collective wisdom comments and suggestions. I really appreciate this input and your time in sharing, Cheers Matt

HI SSCBD, fair comment but my experience has been thats its awkward based on a set up of: container or ground or platform near height to wing tank rotary pump inserted into container and may not have a firm fit ie it just "sits" in the container filler hole. hose then is inerted into wing filler hole or into Mr Funnel and held some how ie with your hand, other hand then has to rotate pump handle have to lean over tank hole to watch for overfilling/ spillage. So yes a rotary hand pump is simple and electricity free, but requires coordination and fine movements!! Also the quality rotary pumps capable of transferring petrol, and not only diesel or kero, such as those from Alemlube, tend to be heavish and with thick hoses thus making it more cumbersome. AQlso not sure about the 2kg weight as quoted mass below is 10kg although this includes the drum tubes which you could delete and get fittings to reduce to a hose fitting. BUT I have just found another option from Alemlube, a very reputable and major company, on their website as below. I'll get a price this seems a worthwhile option. Quoted delivery rates up to 20 litres per min should be ok and definitely states device is suitable for petrol. This could be a winner!! Chemical Syphon Drum Pump w w w . a l e m l u b e . c o m . a u w w w . a l e m l u b e . c o . n z The Alemlube 230 chemical syphon drum pump operates with a simple manual up and down piston type action. Capable of delivering up to 20 litres per minute, the 230 is suitable for the transfer of petrol, diesel fuel, kerosene, thinners, toluene, nitric acid 35%, hydrochloric acid 35%, sulphuric acid 35%, acetic acid 35%, other mild chemicals and is also suitable for use with water. Manufactured from high and low density polyethylene with the pick up tube measuring 850mm in length, the 230 syphon drum pump is non-corrosive, non-toxic and extremely light weight at approximately 430g. The flexible delivery hose is 1.2 metres in length and an adjustment knob on the top of the pump can be used to stop the syphoning process. PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS, FEATURES AND BENEFITS Manual piston type pumping action Delivery rates of up to 20 L/min Suction pick up tube length of 850mm 2” drum bung adaptor Flexible delivery hose length of 1.2m Non corrosive, non toxic polyethylene construction Extremely light weight at 730g Suitable liquids: petrol, diesel fuel, kersone, thinners, nitric acid, toluene, hydrochloric acid, sulphric acid acetic acid and water CAUTION Not to be used with any liquids over 35ºC Not to be used for high viscosity industril liquids (eg. lubricant, heavy oil) Not to be used with concentrated acid or corrosive liquids Keep the pump out of direct sunlight ORDERING INFORMATION 230 Chemical Syphon Drum Pump PRODUCT INFORMATION October 2015 NS

Hi Sherlock, Thanks for hosting this event and sound interesting. I might be interested and inquire details of your strip. My Savvy should cope with a 450 metre strip. Cheers Matt

SkippyDiesel, thanks for an excellent advice and I agree with your comments. Re your comment "I use the hose to transfer fuel from "jerry" cans via an 12V electric pump into my aircraft" and that your aircraft (Atec Zephyr) has low wings, I assume lift height capability isn't an issue with your pump choice. Can you detail me your set up and pump type please, perhaps it will work for me. OneTrack, again excellent comments highlighting safety issues. My aim was to eliminate the lifting of containers onto overhead wing for refuelling my Savanah hence the pumping/ground transfer approach. I am happy to stand on safe/stable/earthed device and hold and direct the discharge hose, fitted with a cut off valve, into the tank thus addressing the possible overflow/spill issue. I checked the website included in your post and like most sites, the 12V DC pumps advertised are all for Diesel fuel only and not petrol. I could use 10 litre containers but haven't sourced any that discharge quickly. Most have only one orifice and incorporate a breather into the spout. Weightwise its ok but when filling 100+ litres that's 10 containers worth and 10 ladder movements. Courtesy of my plane's former owner, I have fashioned a set up for a 20 litre container to sit and discharge into the wing tank. Very simple set up and not fast filling but I can easily monitor and cease filling to avoid overflow. Its an improvement over holding and pouring a 20 litre container. And NO I do not refuel in the hanger, this was an image taken during construction!!! The other option maybe the Tanami brand compressed air system, see below. I'm unaware of its performance and would require changing to metal jerry containers. A 12V DC air pump for air supply could be positioned well away from fuelling operations.The Tanami devices cost about $80 from 4 WD accessory outlets ie ARRB. My thought was a fuel pump on ground, inlet hose into container, outlet hose to tank filler. I perused 12V fuel pumps and Facet brand appears suitable and is solid state. BUT only 12 inch dry lift so probably wont transfer enough ( I assume flow decreases as lift height increases??). To reduce lift height , I could position the container on a stand and pump from their. So any thoughts Team Rec Flyers? Thanks and appreciate the comments thus far, Matt Walsh

Hi SD, I'm interested in your fuel transfer arrangement ie using an electric 12v pump mounted in your plane. I fly a Savannah which has high wings. I've contemplated various arrangements to replace standing on steps/ladder/chair filling wing tanks from 20l plastic containers. I could use 10 litre containers but these are normally not vented (other than through the spout) so slowish to discharge. I tried a rotary hand pump (Alco a brand approved for gasoline) and just OK and a bit cumbersome. I would like the easy of a electric pump so would appreciate your setup advice, thanks and cheers Matt Walsh, Penfield Victoria.

Hi all, I'm contemplating purchase of a computer tablet for navigation use in the cockpit of my Savannah G aircraft and seek other pilot's comments on choice of screen size and which is the more popular size and why. I am inclined to Samsung Galaxy S2 tablets which come in 8 and 9.7 inch screen size. Though stating the obvious, the larger screen should be easier to read but is it too large a size for the cockpit?? Cheers and thanks, Matt Walsh at Penfield, Victoria.

I don't have the energy to read all the posts. But I sense their is a lot of guessing assuming, posturing, pontificating and just plain loud arseig between ex and others. Why don't you all reserve your judgement and criticisms and detailed analysis until Bex presents his engine and the data evidence etc to support and convince you all. No one will compel you to buy a Bex motor just like no one compels you to buy rotax. If all the RAA community felt that Rotax engies were the only choice they would be ripping their jabiru , Vw, Subaru engines out and replacing with Rotax. To suggest that another engine with sufficient testing to give reasonable confidence regarding reliability and longevity, cant be manufactured in China or in some other part of the work other than the Rotax factory, is a very limited view of the world. And that's fine for those who swear by Rotax. there room for all of us. Another interesting thought might be how much testing etc and convincing the public did Jabiru have to endure before we thought they were an acceptable alternative to Rotax???? I appreciate and accept that many of the posts are offering sage advice and important considerations. But until al the facts and information are provided by Bex, we are just Guessing???

Thanks Nev, I now understand this technique to be essential starting to roll with full power on so as to minimise rolling distance to rotation thus shortest takeoff distance achieved. Just like dropping the clutch on a 351 GT with a decent handful of revs and getting out in front quickly.

Hi Alf and Nev, what do you mean by the phrases "brakes on power up" trick and "a power check on brakes". I'm guessing you're meaning confirming that brakes are functioning ie pedal pressure normal whilst you're airborne. On ground the brakes get checked during engine run up/mag checks etc by virtue of holding the plane stationary whilst the prop spins up. Is there some other check we should be doing? As always the advice and knowledge of other fellow pilots is respected and appreciated, Cheers Matt Walsh

Mike, thanks for the clarification. I was wanting to understand whether you used the filter instead of a blank cap, plastic tube with melted closed or bent over, for a particular reason as per Kiwi's comment on air balancing. Or is the filter just a handy fit to block of the plastic tube?? P.S. Not trying to labour the point, just keen to learn of better ways of doing.

Thx Kiwi, After a closer look of the photo, I do see the clear plastic tube between filter and Pitot tube and the red ribbon tag between them. You mentioned that the filter would allow air pressure balancing when temperatures vary. Is this important to allow for? Most Pitot covers I've spotted are simple sealed caps that wouldn't permit any pressure balancing. Cheers Matt

Hi Mike, I am curious about your use of a fuel filter on Pitot tube. From your comments I'm guessing the filter is permanently attached so would prevent insects entering tube when airborne and creating a blockage. If so does the filter create a slight obstruction to airflow and so affect ASI reading? If the filter is removed prior to flying, then does it perform any other function or benefit than a tightly fitting cap over Pitot tube end.? Some times the reasons for actions are obvious but sometimes there is real science and thought involved so I thought I'd ask. Cheers Matt

Hi Rht, Life is coincidences, I was riding around the time of Mike "speed'' Burrows, Lester Watt, Ames Bros, Peter Wines, etc. I joined AMTRA club around 1980 and rode most of country Victoria on various nmachines including Bultaco Alpina, Honda Xl and XR's Yamaha IT490, I still have my Yam in the shed. I did a few rides with Norm Watts around Glen Maggie, Licola, Maffra way, magnificent country. And yes there is a synergy between flying and motorcycle riding, from the understanding of mechanical bits, to the feel when banking and turning and all that situational awareness that keeps bike riders alive. I love both pursuits and will ride again one day.

rhtrudder, thanks for the lead, these "gas" containers are Nevada USA manufactured and sold in Aus by Geoff Ballard in northern NSW. I used to race endure motorbikes years ago so interesting to see the youtubes on GB, he is a legend in the enduro racing sport. The containers have got mixed reviews, seems the actual container isn't that durable but the spout/pouring mechanism is a winner. certainly aren't cheap but for the fast fuelling in racing, looks the best. I'll have a crack at the Willow 20l/Tanami pump combo. I could be creative and make a You Tube of me refuelling Gladys. But I would need to cajole/bribe my teenage daughter to do the technical stuff and uploading. What is with some men, they can fly planes but cant post a simple video??

What are the containers? brand capacity, material etc. How are they used in motorcycling? sounds interesting.

Ah you guys are firing with good ideas, I like the Anderson plug set up for mini compressor. Like others, I can reach my Gazelle wing tank caps without ladder. Cant wait to get home and arrange this gear!!!!!

Thanks Camel and Kyle for your comments, I will be going the Tanami pump and Willow 20 litre set up. Whilst Willow 10L might empty fast and be easy to lift, I want to avoid steps/ladders, especially for country flying, so confident I can use pump and avoid overflows and spills ok, I might fit a in line tap near end to fine control flow. I have several 20l plastics now, so will buy 2 Willows. If I purchase fuel in my existing containers I could filter and transfer into Willow 20L then Tanami pump direct to high wing tank. Might avoid spillage from funnel. Anyway I'm looking forward to getting this stuff, hey its nearly Xmas and Santa is a technical guy right??

Hi all, good to hear reports from Kyle and Camel about their new arrangements. Camel, what type of containers do you use? Kyle and Camel, did you learn about Tanami pumps through this thread? and went on to purchase from this info? (I'm just curious if these forums yield direct benefit for people, nothing else!!). I can confirm the information sure helped me. I was contemplating buying a rotary pump whilst here in Sri Lanka, good price etc, but the learning's from the Forum have better educated me and I'm going for Tanami pumps upon my return to Aus and my beloved Gazelle , in early Nov.

Uh Thanks for a full explanation and i understand your method given you cant easily use fill you Foxbat tanks through a Mr Funnel cos of the position of the filler hole. Pretty annoying although no holding containers aloft or need for steps and ladders. I wouldn't be filtering fuel at servo for the exact reasons others posted. You cant easily avoid double pouring fuel as you have to put it through a filter between bowser nozzle and plane tank and both of these points aren't suitable. The enjoyment of sitting in the bee chair and focusing your mind, are worthwhile compensations for a inconvenient filler hole. Are you earthing your containers when transferring fuels?? To all those that have contributed on this topic, I thank you for sharing knowledge ideas and critique. I've learn plenty and respect the positive style and tone. Good job!!