Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Carl Orton on April 23, 2019 at 8:42am

I’m not flying yet, but I tend to think that the main gear flexes a bit. Think of it this way: the gear is attached only at the outer ends. If you landed in a crosswind, the pressure on the one wheel will cause some flex/bow in the center section of the gear. Additionally, look for the video of Roger demonstrating how to check for gear tightness by rocking the gear. 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Patrick Hoyt on April 23, 2019 at 11:22am

The span of the main gear running underneath my Zodiac flexes a bit more than I thought it would, and was enough to crack a rigid fiberglass fairing I'd put there.  I've got about a third of an inch of clearance there now which seems ok.

I ran flexible fuel line (5/16 fuel injection hose) underneath the main gear and have not had any problems with that. 

Be careful that you don't end up with low areas or "sagging" in your fuel lines where a slug of water can collect.

- Pat

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jimmy Young on April 23, 2019 at 8:10pm

Your fuel line will be inside the cockpit from the wing root to the floor no matter how you go, unless you somehow run it on the outside of the fuselage sides, which I can’t see happening. Considering that fact, I don’t see any advantage for you to not run it the rest of the way inside the cabin to the firewall. You’re going to need a shut off valve within arm’s reach of the pilot anyway. Just my opinion.

One thing I believe is important is to install disconnects in the fuel lines, pitot/static tubes, and wiring at the wing root. If you ever need to pull a wing off, you will appreciate that. You will need access panels at the underside skin of the wing roots not supplied with the kit, but available at mykitairplane.com. 

Here’s a pic of mine. The access panel is obviously removed in this photo.

With regard to brake lines, I ran mine the way the Homebuilt Help video showed and it has worked fine for the past 700 hrs and 7 years of use. Some builders use stainless braided lines, some even use AL tubing, all depends on personal preference.

With regards to the question of does the landing gear flex, yes it does. Right in the middle. On a “firmer than wanted” landing, the legs splay out at the bend point, and the center of the gear flexes downward.

Good luck with your build.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ken Ryan on April 23, 2019 at 8:40pm

Fuel lines inside the fuselage are better protected and may be less likely to rupture in a crash.

• ▶ Reply