Fuel level checks

[Corby202]

I use a dip stick made from a length of plastic tubing and a piece of welding rod inside it to keep it straight. This I calibrated with the tail down and just insert it through the filler neck before each flight keeping a finger over the end to see where the fuel level is.
I also have a fuel gauge also a backlit camera but I find the camera hard to read on a sunny day.
Did have a red cube fuel flow also but could never get that to work properly.

[dtwolcott]

I also plan on using the backup camera method. I have not wired it in yet. I expect it will provide a little more comfort in knowing how close to empty the tank actually is when it is getting closer to the time for a refill. Always nice to have some sort of visual reference. Similar to flying VFR as apposed to IFR.
Don

[mike.smith]

The plastic tube full of fuel in the cockpit makes me nervous. I worry about how it will age. If not for that I agree that is the best way.

4 years and no issues. You MUST use clear FUEL tubing, and nothing else! There have been thousands of aircraft flying for decades with exposed fuel sight gauges. Not really a big deal.

[SNX1508]

The plastic tube full of fuel in the cockpit makes me nervous. I worry about how it will age. If not for that I agree that is the best way.

There is tubing made specifically for this type of application. It is UV, Fuel, and Alcohol resistant. You don't use just any clear tube from the hardware store. I don't have a link handy so hopefully someone on here can point you to it. ...........

Keith
#554

I have been using Superthane® Ether Base Tubing for all fuel lines on my Pegasus powered parachute since 2007 with no problems, other than the inside of the tubing becomes discolored after a couple of years, at which time I replace it.

From the US Plastics website:
•Resistant to oils, greases & fuels
•Plasticizer & phthalate-free
•Available in ester & ether formulations
•Transparent, flexible, resilient & tough
•Tear, impact, radiation & abrasion resistant
•Durometer hardness (shore A): 85 +/-5
•Temperature range: -85°F to 175°F
•Meets FDA standards
•Ether based is NSF 61 listed, UV and weather resistant

Here is a link

https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item. ... emid=83856

Terry L. Cooper
SNX #1508
Tail Wheel
AeroVee #0736
N296SX
2005 construction hours, and was completed in October 2016
http://www.mykitlog.com/SNX1508
First engine run: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9wP77I ... e=youtu.be
FAA Inspected & Airworthiness Certificate issued 11/4/2016
Sport ASEL endorsement on 8/9/2017
Tailwheel endorsement on 9/7/2017
Sonex #1508 N296SX first flight on 11/29/2017

[Bryan Cotton]

There have been thousands of aircraft flying for decades with exposed fuel sight gauges. Not really a big deal.

I always thought the PA18 sight gauges were glass. That is the one type I've flown with them, that I can remember.