----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----
Larry, The strength of the stainless steel has nothing to do with using it on the panel over the gas tank. During the certification testing period of the 415-C, the cowl started out a different shape, perhaps because they started flying the plane with a different engine. Before the planes were put in production, the cowl was changed so the top panel almost came to the windshield. This means the area under the top panel is now part of the engine compartment as far as in-flight fires are concerned. It further means that the fuselage panel over the fuel tank is now your protection against in-flight engine compartment fires. Since aluminum melts at a noticeably lower temperature than stainless steel, all parts of the firewall must be stainless steel. Well, the CAA failed to catch the cowling change and the new need for the panel over the fuel tank to be stainless steel. They chose NOT to require retrofit. When they allowed a new model, the D, they DID require that panel to be stainless steel. If we convert a plane from a C to a D model, we must conform to the requirements of that model as specified by the bureaucrat with the power. (It does NOT seem to me this is an improper use of power.) Strength has nothing to do with it. Melting point does. Ed Burkhead N3802H, Ercoupe 415-D Peoria, IL -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, April 22, 2001 1:33 PM To: Coupers Tech Subject: Re: [COUPERS-TECH] gross weight ----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]---- All of the panels, be they aluminum or SS, become structural members once they are riveted into place. Thus, the replacement of the aluminum, with Stainless Steel, you have effectively strengthened that area of the Coupe. It would appear to me that that is an area they have identified that needs strengthening if you are to carry heavier gross weight. Larry [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > ----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]---- > > How does installing a stainless panel on the top foreward fuselage > relate to allowing increased gross weight? The other mods make sense > but the panel doesn't. Converting from a C to D or above should be > aproved without the stainless panel. > > --------------------------------- > to unsubscribe send mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > --------------------------------- to unsubscribe send mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] __________________________________________________ To unsubscribe from this list please send mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ==^================================================================ EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiLm.aVzvvT Or send an email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This email was sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Learn More. Surf Less. Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Topics You Choose. http://www.topica.com/partner/tag01 ==^================================================================
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