Shadrach

Is the box mounted on the pilot’s sidewall? That is typically where the Brittain PC controller (at least I think that’s what it is) shown below is mounted when installed on a Mooney. That Box looks a bit more modern but if it is installed in the same place, it is likely a remnant of the last Brittain AP.

Maybe it is due to the configuration of the three bay, 64 gal tanks, but I can say that I have never seen them leak fuel from the vents.

The vents on my 67F are pointed tubes that protrude straight down from underside of the outermost tank. Any spillage would have to defy gravity on the ground and would evaporate almost immediately in the air. Are you getting blue stains aft of your vents?

Has your F ever puked fuel out of the vents? I’ve managed to do that with other makes, but never the Mooney. Even if I did, it would end up on the ground not on the paint. Did Mooney have an alternative vent design that deposit fuel onto paint?

Have you ever had your lead levels tested? I have… While I am below the “safe” threshold, I am 99.9% sure that the lead present in my system is from exposure to TEL in avgas. I have been around airplanes since birth and have certainly been careless with regards to PPE while exposed to things like exhaust stains on the belly or direct skin exposure to Avgas. It is nasty stuff. However, I don’t think it has a measurable affect on those not directly exposed to it (pilots, line personnel, mechanics etc.) the idea that overflying airplanes are poisoning the public is pretty silly.

Are you concerned that the vented vapors are going to stain the paint?

I’m very sorry for your loss Cliff. That was one of the most horrific commercial aviation accidents of my lifetime. There was no way out of it. My sincere condolences.

Something as simple as simplifying the mfg certification for parts that are non critical to flight. The FDA classifies medical devices according to risk. The level of regulatory oversight is determined by classification. Then there is FDA approval vs clearance which is a process to determine safety by comparison to an existing approved product. I’m not saying it’s a perfect fit, but we should not be regulating light bulbs and fuel servos under the same set of regs and level of scrutiny. It’s bad for everyone, including the FAA.

So I looked at mine yesterday (good excuse to swap out the o-rings and lubricate). They are not adjustable in terms of clocking position, nor is it really possible to install the locking plate upside down. The orientation of the cleats is fixed when the caps are fabricated.

I would not call it lying exactly, just an unrealistic view of the shop’s liability. There’s always that first case and award that makes rational people think WTF? Hard to talk a service provider out of their policy decisions even if the current facts are on your side. Especially given some of the frivolous payouts awarded by juries.

Maybe he elected to “go around” when he heard the sound of metal on pavement and then landed normally. Would not be the first time.

Ram air cable?

The GA supply chain is in desperate need of some regulatory relief and has been for quite some time. It may be too late to make a difference. I’m nervously watching Univair and Wag Aero.

Indeed, GA suffers from a surplus of capitalism…what we need is greater regulation. That should do it.

This is why I wanted to look closely at mine. I don’t believe you can clock the top piece. I could be wrong.