Hatz Biplane Association

Smart!!

[quote="jwhanson"]I have another tip to pass on for fuel tanks. I drilled a 3/16 inch hole in the bottom of the center section rear corners just in case a leak developed in the tank.
It would be nice to know there is a leak or seepage right away rather than have the fuel fill up the center section before you notice it.
John Hanson HC-012[/quote]

I have another tip to pass on for fuel tanks. I drilled a 3/16 inch hole in the bottom of the center section rear corners just in case a leak developed in the tank.
It would be nice to know there is a leak or seepage right away rather than have the fuel fill up the center section before you notice it.
John Hanson HC-012

My Lauzon frame includes a step at the top of the front landing gear leg, about 4 or 5" from the top. I'm only 5'8" and my step puts me high enough to refuel, but not high enough to actually see into the tank. My fuel cap is offset to the right about 11" from center. So, anyone taller than me wouldn't have a problem refueling with the step welded to the gear leg. The only problem would be if I had wheel pants, it would be a long first step up not being able to step up on the tire first.

Our fuel tank holds 22 gallons and is made to the drawings.
John Hanson HC-012

Here are some photos of the removable step. The Waco RNF step design would also be good.
John Hanson HC-012

I plan on installing steps on the landing gear and a retractable/sliding step higher up on the firewall similar to the Waco. After doing that I'll see how the reach looks and figure out where I want the fuel filler. My biggest concern is being able to fuel the plane anywhere I go without having to rely on a ladder. I know you can make it work from the cockpit, but that really isn't my preferred choice.

If you take a look at this video from Rare Aircraft you can see how the step works. He explains the step at 7:10 on the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0VyCXceG6w

Here's a couple pics from an RNF to see how it is attached.

Hi Scott,
Good news on the tank. I made a similar style tank for my CB-1, but thought I could be smarter by using .062" aluminum. It may have come out well if I were better at welding aluminum and/or my welder was more suited to the task. Bottom line was a very distorted top. I cut it off and riveted a flange all around the tank edge and riveted a new top on with closed end countersunk pulled rivets and pro-seal. I don't think is was worth the weight saving!
Al

I talked to Ron Sieck, builder of the award winning Hatz Classic SN23, and he said his Makelan-built tank holds 23 gallons of which 22 is declared usable. I'm guessing my tank has a similar capacity but I'll measure it soon to verify.

While on the phone with Ron, I asked how he reaches the tank's filler cap to refuel. He said he uses a ladder. I asked him what if no ladder is available and he said, in my words, you have a problem.

Ron also said in hindsight that he would have relocated the filler cap to the left side of the tank.

-Scott

John, I would also love to see the photos as I have been considering the left side filler also.

I will but it'll be a week or two before I can get around to it.

-Scott