Flop TOOBS!

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 8:03 am

Hey ummmmm, well... I was just thinkin'.

Dan Checkoway says he wouldn't bother installing one again. I have been back and forth on the subject and am currently leaning TOWARDS installing one. After all, it IS a -7 and upside down stuff is a possibility.

I recently found this on Paul Merems' site:

http://www.experimentalaero.com/flop_tube_alert.htm ...where Paul says they lose their flexability.

I plan on doing some loopie do's but primarily staying positive g's.

What is your thought on this?

CJ

Post by **Spike** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 10:59 am

What do you want to do John? Do you want to do inverted (prolonged zero or negative G stuff) or do you only want to do positive G stuff. If negative then you have to ask how long you are going to be upside down. Are you using an injected engine with inverted oil ?

-- John

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 11:07 am

Well, ya see... like I said, mostly positive G stuff. But, one I got these suckers all sealed up, full o' gas and airborne and I change my mind... it's too late.

I may just huck one in for the $hit$ and giggles of it all.

Engine choices are really quite open right now for me. That goes for the propellor too. This explains why I haven't said so much as "BOO" in the recent prop topic. I don't have a firm decision yet.

I am just wondering what others did and trying to run some hypotheticals in my head.

Opinions?

Thoughts?

Experiences?

CJ

Post by **Spike** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 11:14 am

I guess my only point was that I believe your floppy tube problem is null and void if you put a carbed engine on the plane anyway with the associated fuel delivery problem. Hey, if you want them as a just in case, go ahead. Its your plane, do what you feel inclined to do buddy. I have to hush up after that cause I'm building a 9A. You know, the painsy airplane that wont go upside down that any non-real-man can fly because the third wheel is in the front.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 11:53 am

hahaha, You said it... I didn't!

Does this mean I can keep on needling you about the training wheel or should it stop right now?

I guess I better watch my step or I could end up BANNED!

hahaha, these new emoticons just keep on turning up everywhere you look!

CJ

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sat Mar 12, 2005 10:31 pm

TTT,

Lemme bring this one up again.

Assuming IO-360 and regular fuel pick ups (I want to maximize useable fuel) how long would I be able to remain negative without a hiccup?

I am just not convinced that the flop toobs are the right choice for me yet.

Has anyone tried this?

CJ

Dan A · Post by **Dan A** » Sat Mar 12, 2005 10:56 pm

probably just long enough for the fuel line to drain out, about 5 saeconds or less. I put a flop tube in the left tank to take care of that problem!
Dan

Wicked Stick · Post by **Wicked Stick** » Sat Mar 12, 2005 11:27 pm

While I don't plan to spend all day inverted, I did manage to put one in on my left tank. I figure I'll placard/log it as the tank to be on for inverted flights of fancy.

I decided to go regular pickup in the right tank, even though I did buy the extra flop tube. I changed my mind on doing both so that I might get more useable fuel out of the right tank since the regular pick-up sits lower.

I'd say if your thinking about it and like doing some aerobatics, then just put one flop tube in.

aerial · Post by **aerial** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 12:03 am

spike wrote:........ I have to hush up after that cause I'm building a 9A. You know, the painsy airplane that wont go upside down that any.........too shameful to quote........

Spike, I hope I am not responsible for making you feel this way

I really am a milk and chocolate chip cookie kinda guy. I think it's only the 3% irresponsible people of society that are wild and crazy. Most of them just happen to be building RV's.

bmurrish · Post by **bmurrish** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 12:34 am

I am installing one on my left tank. The flop tube costs only $35, so not that big of an investment for added fun.

ptrotter · Post by **ptrotter** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 1:21 am

I put flop tubes in both tanks. I hate asymmetrical things so I do both sides the same. I figure it gives me the option of putting in inverted oil in the future, if I do much inverted flight. I figure it is easy to put in standard pickups in the future, but not flop tubes,l so I opted for flop tubes to start out. I like to build things so that I have the most options for the future.

Post by **Spike** » Sun Mar 13, 2005 10:52 am

Nope Aerial, you didn't make me feel that way at all. Actually I dont feel that way. I was being more tongue in cheek than anything

Leighton · Post by **Leighton** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 5:09 pm

Hey Cap, you KNOW that once you get airborne you'll want to fly upside down, i can see it in your eyes.

go on, put 'em in.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Tue Mar 15, 2005 8:06 pm

LOL, well I suppose I really oughtta put one in for the helluvit!

CJ

aerial · Post by **aerial** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 10:00 pm

Here's another reason for inverted flight. Spam can shooting...

[quoted from Budd Davisson's review of a Clipped Cub]

A goodly number of real hotrods have been built around the clipped Cub with 150 and 180 Lycomings shoe-horned up front...... What a blast it would be to build a 180 hp J-3 with T-craft wings. You'd use the original style open cowl, paint it yellow with the black lightning bolt and then go looking for Arrows and Cutlasses. A 180 clipped Cub is good for 160 mph in cruise and a 3,000 fpm rate of climb, or better. You'd have guys with Wichita sheet iron birds vehement at their mechanics because this dumb yellow Cub just walked away from them . . . upside down.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Tue Mar 22, 2005 6:14 am

Gotta love it!

CJ

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Flop TOOBS!

Flop TOOBS!

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