National Aeronca Association Bulletin Board

Grumps - that's not mine, but I've built a couple. I believe the directions are in the Alaska How-To Manual.

Basically, take a 55-gallon drum. Chop it off at the second ring, then a couple inches below the bottom. Cut a couple slits in the short end piece and hammer into the 2-ring chunk. Couple self-tapping screws keeps it there. Cut a door, with a vent, out of the extra material you removed when you cut what's now the bottom. Cut a hole for the pipe, and cut a strap to hold it in from the scrap material. Total cost: couple dozen self-tapping screws, 2 cheap hinges, maybe 30 minutes of your time (more on the first one).

SITREP FOLLOWS:

1. Responses are about even (vac vs. elec.). I'm leaning towards the venturi/vac. MNflyer says that the elec may not work w/ my slanted panel. This confirms previous comment by an avionics guy I know.

2. IA will not attempt the job unless I do all the research and hand it to him on the proverbial silver platter.

3. A different IA (EAA Tech Counselor)says it's just a log book (+W/B) entry.

4. Airworthiness Insp @FSDO says "WHOA!!! Aircraft is not to be touched without previous approval of spec and installation details approved."

5. Since my IA will be doing the annuals, I don't want to have a different IA install things and then get shot down at the annual.

6. I researched the TCDS's, service letters, service manual and the L-16 manuals and found nothing.

7. The only STC is for an engine induction vacuum system that I'm not interested in for reasons of cost, etc.

8. Called American Champion and was told that venturi/vac systems had never been a factory option on the 7 series and a field approval was my only option.

9. Stumped!

QUESTIONS:

A. My 7AC has a slant panel and 13 gal boot tank.

B. Anybody out there have the same config w/ a field approved 337 for a venturi/vac system and installed vac turn and bank indicator or other vacuum driven instrument?