Fuel Seat Tank?

[BrianInVA]

Hi folks,
Thanks for the ad. We’re going to be purchasing the LE XL plans soon to start our build.

I am curious if anyone has used an ultralight Fuel Seat Tank instead of the usual seat and fuel tank placement? I realize some form of fuel pump may be necessary as gravity feed would be negatively affected by seat fuel tank placement and the airframe may need to be slightly modified to accommodate it.

Thanks!
Brian

[Brock]

Hi Brian,
I've seen at least one other post, on a builder's page, about seat tanks (search might find it).  While the rotationally molded seat tanks are robust, they are heavy.  If you are going to keep it under 254#'s then that might not be the tank for your project, especially if it causes you to add the weight of the a pump.  Might want to ask the seller to weigh it to the nearest ounce.  That way you'll be able to
compare with other options.

[BrianInVA]

Thanks Brock. I’ve seen specs for the 5g fuel seat tanks weighing 11 pounds. I’d assume an average 5g wing tank weighs 2 to 3 pounds and the original aluminum sling seat weighs 2 pounds. So the fuel tank seat would add 5 to 7 pounds plus a fuel pump.

I have low back trouble so I know I couldn’t tolerate the original sling seat, and I don’t like the idea of a wing tank when I plan on folding the wings when stored. But maybe I’m making a bigger deal out of that in my head than necessary.

[DA Miller]

Brian, I'm in VA. Waynesboro.  Where are you?

[BrianInVA]

Brian, I'm in VA. Waynesboro.  Where are you?

Strasburg,near Winchester.

[DA Miller]

email me. damiller@lumos.net. You may want to look at my LE-XL project.

[pappyadkins]

Original seat only 1 pound (mine is only 10 ounces) and I think SUPER comfortable... I think some may make the tails too long or too short... Too short & it can feel like your being dumped out... Too long & you can feel the front bar, but you can always put in cushion to fix that... I have flown in several air-commands (the maker of this seat) and I wouldn't call it more comfortable by no means...  A bigger problem you WILL face, you do not have the room under the seat for your control stick, the way the LE is designed... Just FYI, it will have to be addressed!!! and as others have said, TOO HEAVY to make weight... I would also agree you could possibly get the FG tank in around the 2-3 pound mark... Ultimentantly, it is your plane, so you get to build it as you want, but to me it's not worth the extra 7-8 pounds (plus pump) & the redesigning the controls... Good Luke & keep us posted....

[BrianInVA]

email me. damiller@lumos.net. You may want to look at my LE-XL project.

Great, thanks. Email sent.