Thread: Electric Sonex
View Single Post
  #4  
Old July 25th 07, 11:22 AM posted to rec.aviation.homebuilt
Vaughn Simon
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 735
Default Electric Sonex


"Gig 601XL Builder" wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net wrote in message
...
Fuel requirements for flight in VFR conditions.

(a) No person may begin a flight in an airplane under VFR conditions unless
(considering wind and forecast weather conditions) there is enough fuel to fly
to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed--
(1) During the day, to fly after that for at least 30 minutes; or
(2) At night, to fly after that for at least 45 minutes.


When I was instructing in gliders, it was routine to join the pattern with
(the energy equivalent) of perhaps three minutes of fuel! It always worked.

The difference is knowing precisely how much energy you have available.
The FARs say 30 minutes for airplanes partially because of the inaccuracy of the
average light plane fuel gauge and also because folks actually use their
airplanes to travel from one airport to another. Neither of those factors need
apply to an electric training airplane. First, it would operate from one field.
Second, technology exists to fairly precisely inform the pilot how much energy
remains in the batteries. (add a GPS-informed computer to the mix and you could
always be sure that you had enough energy to return to the field)

Vaughn