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Scott Dahlgren writes of a Lancair Technician that claims the 320/360

ailerons will not support an empty wing and a partially filled wing

tank.I would be very interested  to know if anyone else could

substantiate that claim.My own information on that subject is from

another 360 builder that was on a long cross country when confronted

with a broken fuel line in the wing.The fuel from the left tank was

completely drained out in flight.He says he flew on to his destination

albeit a bit <G> out of trim,landed.He then determined the cause and

proceeded to fill the right tank and header tank and continued on his

way.He does however state that the takeoff was a little scary when he

nearly banged the wing tip on the runway,but claims he flew away.Oh

yeh,I forgot his "Flight Instructor"( Did I mention he had no Pilots

License)who was in the right seat at the time verifies the story to be

true.Well what say you Lancair Techs?Did it happen or is this fiction?

My own 360 fuel system is a three tank system.I have a left ,right ,and

center(header tank no transfer pumps)position.The tank you point at is

the one you are using.It also has an off position.My own procedure for

fuel management is to leave the header tank for last.I switch tanks

about every 4or5 gals.The opposing aileron does give sufficient notice

to switch tanks if I forget.I do not have an autopilot.I do see how that

could ad another" twist" to the story.An automatic Barrel role after

disengaging the autopilot would be an Eye opener after a long cruise.In

addition,as you all know the CG of these little rockets improves as you

empty the wing tanks.another good reason to save the header for last or

with the transfer pumps to keep it full.



Tom Giddings 360TM