Rubber Hose Fuel Line

[Pearson]

A question was posed by an acquaintance about the feasibility of using rubber hose to connect the fuel lines to the wing tank fittings. My thinking was that it would reduce the crashworthiness of the airplane. Is there a legal basis pro or con on doing this? I suspect it would be legal on an experimental. But what about something like a Taylorcraft?

[Robert Lees]

Re: Rubber Hose Fuel Line

"Experimental" for the Taylorcraft happens in the UK, as well as Canada (and other countries), usually under a different term.

In the Good ol' US of A, for a certificated Taylorcraft, my understanding is that you have to comply with the TCDS, which, inter alia, means you have to comply with the design. To my knowledge, the fuel lines were designed to be solid (there is no relative movement, and the solid lines are lighter).

Why using flexible fuel hoses for the wings would reduce the crashworthiness is a valid question, but not one I am experienced enough to know about. They are used in the engine bay, and guess what commonly gets bent in an accident?

Practically (engineering-wise), there is little room to fit flex hoses in the wing roots. Solid lines work, have worked and will continue to work, so ask of your acquaintance: why fix what doesn't need fixing?

I hope that makes sense.

Rob

[Buell Powell]

Re: Rubber Hose Fuel Line

I would think if you do have to replace the copper fuel line as used in the older models. To use aluminum line and AN fittings as used on later models might not be a bad idea unless you are wanting to keep everything original.