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Inverted Flop tubes

jthocker

Well Known Member
A data point for anyone considering fuel tank flop tubes.

Decided to see how long my engine would run while inverted and on the NON inverted tank.

I have a flop tube in the right tank and a standard pickup in the left. From "experience" I've noticed I can fly for quite some time inverted and on the wrong tank!

Today, I decided to find out just how long! With only 4 gallons in the left tank and the left tank selected, I rolled inverted and started a timer. At 25 seconds I rolled upright and at the 30 second mark the engine stumbled for about 2 to 3 seconds then it smoothly regained power.

Hope this will convince guys to bite the bullet and install that inverted oil system. There is absolutely no need to put in a flop tube unless you intend to fly inverted for more than 20 seconds.
 
12 hours too late

Completed the retrofit of the QB left tank with a flop tube on our RV-7A project just before noon today.

Already converted the O-360 to IO and have the Christen inverted oil system ready to install.

Good to know we will be able to fly inverted for more than 20 seconds. Thanks for the test flight ;)
 
I just received my wing kit, and I ordered a flop tube, but also two normal pickup assemblies as well.

I am still going back and forth on whether I want to install a flop tube. I am not sure I will be going inverted for more than 30 seconds, and I plan on doing a simple inverted oil system (probably one of the accumulators) so that's only going to give me about 30 seconds of engine oil pressure anyways.

I am not a big fan of putting the fuel pickup in the inner bay and attaching it to the tank baffle. It won't be easy to service if I ever need to get at it.

I am also considering installing a set of capacitive senders (already got the kit) in addition to the normal pickups so the above may be a mute point.
 
I just received my wing kit, and I ordered a flop tube, but also two normal pickup assemblies as well.

I am still going back and forth on whether I want to install a flop tube. I am not sure I will be going inverted for more than 30 seconds, and I plan on doing a simple inverted oil system (probably one of the accumulators) so that's only going to give me about 30 seconds of engine oil pressure anyways.

I am not a big fan of putting the fuel pickup in the inner bay and attaching it to the tank baffle. It won't be easy to service if I ever need to get at it.

I am also considering installing a set of capacitive senders (already got the kit) in addition to the normal pickups so the above may be a mute point.

I have the same results as Jon when flying inverted. I get about twenty seconds of engine run when inverted using the tank with the normal fuel pickup. I flew with only an oil accumulator for awhile and found that my 1.5 quart accumulator only gives me about 7 seconds of oil pressure. If you want 30 seconds you had best go with a full Raven or Christen system. I think installing both float and capacitive senders is a bit of overkill. If you have a flow measuring system (red cube) that will be your best indicator. Only a suggestion. You do what you want. I do have a flop tube and full inverted oil so I can fly inverted to my heart's content. My heart runs out of contentment after about 20 seconds these days. :rolleyes:

Note: If you are doing competitive aerobatics there are no maneuvers in the Primary or Sportsman sequences that require more than about 4 seconds of inverted flight.
 
occassional sputter

Have a flop tube in one tank, and Jon is correct that you can get extended flight time inverted on the wrong tank. However, there are certain maneuvers, such as a Cuban 8, with several seconds inverted and negative Gs that might give you a short engine stumble. Typically, I can go through the Sportsman sequences on the wrong tank :mad: and not get a stumble. With the Intermediate sequence, which has a Cuban 8 without the half roll, and pushed to inverted level flight- BIG STUMBLE. Still not a big deal. Engine completely stopped only twice so far. Still looking to see more RVs come join the fun of competition.
Bill McLean
RV-4 slider
lower AL
 
Typically, I can go through the Sportsman sequences on the wrong tank :mad: and not get a stumble.
lower AL

Just want to second this.

I have no flop tube and no inverted oil. Have been practicing the Sportsman for a while and flew my first Sportsman contest last month. I never had a stumble during the routine and oil pressure is above Lycoming minimums during the entire routine.

There is really no reason for anything special to participate at the Sportsman level. I did eventually install an 1/2 inverted oil system (breather tube only) but not because I was worried to break something without it I just got tiered of scooping substantial amounts of oil of the hanger floor. If you look at it just from a $ perspective would still be cheaper to just add oil .... .

Other thing I "modified" is the break fluid plug (I have two directly on the pedals) as they would leak over my shoes.. . That was a 2$ fix.

Also from an engine perspective I kept it simple I have an IO-360 with the Van's recommended fixed pitch Sensenich prop. Sometimes I sit there and get propeller envy looking at some of the other airplanes at the contest but then I get honest with myself and realize that my score would not have improved a bit with a better propeller.... . There is really no routine in the Sportsman you couldn't score a 10 on with a fixed pitch prop. You have plenty of energy and altitude for that routine without all you have to do is watch your RPMs on a few straight downlines. It's all me... .

I guess what I am saying is that a lot of people overthink this thing. A stock RV-8 is good enough for a Sportsman context.

Don't get me wrong if you enjoy adding gadget to your airplane please do, however, if you are held back from flying contests because you think your RV isn't ready I think you are wrong.

Oliver
 
Just want to second this.

I have no flop tube and no inverted oil. Have been practicing the Sportsman for a while and flew my first Sportsman contest last month. I never had a stumble during the routine and oil pressure is above Lycoming minimums during the entire routine.

There is really no reason for anything special to participate at the Sportsman level. I did eventually install an 1/2 inverted oil system (breather tube only) but not because I was worried to break something without it I just got tiered of scooping substantial amounts of oil of the hanger floor. If you look at it just from a $ perspective would still be cheaper to just add oil .... .

Other thing I "modified" is the break fluid plug (I have two directly on the pedals) as they would leak over my shoes.. . That was a 2$ fix.

Also from an engine perspective I kept it simple I have an IO-360 with the Van's recommended fixed pitch Sensenich prop. Sometimes I sit there and get propeller envy looking at some of the other airplanes at the contest but then I get honest with myself and realize that my score would not have improved a bit with a better propeller.... . There is really no routine in the Sportsman you couldn't score a 10 on with a fixed pitch prop. You have plenty of energy and altitude for that routine without all you have to do is watch your RPMs on a few straight downlines. It's all me... .

I guess what I am saying is that a lot of people overthink this thing. A stock RV-8 is good enough for a Sportsman context.

Don't get me wrong if you enjoy adding gadget to your airplane please do, however, if you are held back from flying contests because you think your RV isn't ready I think you are wrong.

Oliver

+1

Absolutely! Of all the mods one can do to prepare for aerobatic competition, a constant speed prop would be my last choice. Keep it simple and you will still have lots of fun and score well, too!
 
No, that's not simpler, just way cooler. :)

I meant ignoring the tach.


Well it does make one wonder what the real max RPM on a Lycoming engine is if one listens to certain one designs (more so then S1s) on a downline.

However, that wasn't my point. My point was that for a sportsman routine with a fixed pitch prop in an RV-8 one can be within the RPM limits at all times with very little effort... .

Oliver
 
Harness

I'm just curious on which Harness have you installed on your aircraft?
As you are performing negative G , have you installed full aerobatics double harness?
I'm building a RV7 and doing Brainstorming on what to install... ( flop tube, inverted oil system, Harness ... )
Also the lock system is on purpose( standard latch or cam lock)
Any experience welcome!
 
I'm just curious on which Harness have you installed on your aircraft?
As you are performing negative G , have you installed full aerobatics double harness?
I'm building a RV7 and doing Brainstorming on what to install... ( flop tube, inverted oil system, Harness ... )
Also the lock system is on purpose( standard latch or cam lock)
Any experience welcome!

I have a Hooker 5-point harness with cam lock. My second seat belt is ratcheting. The ratcheting seat belt probably isn't necessary for recreational aerobatics but sure makes it easier in competition.
 
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