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Question: How long does it take to install a kit?
Answer: Experienced installers require 45-60 hours depending on the type of kit. First time installers typically will take longer. This estimate doesn’t include painting. The installation of our 185 extended tip kits are a bit more complicated. They require an additional 20 to 30 hours to replace 12 stringers with heavy duty stringers that we provide.
Question: Are the kits STC'd?
Answer: Every one.
Question: What are the tanks made of?
Answer: Fiberglass.
Question: Why transfer pumps and not gravity feed?
Answer: We used to make gravity feed systems years ago. They were temperamental. The pump systems work under all conditions.
Question: How do I know for sure that the fuel has transferred?
Answer: There are two indications: The Flint gauge will go down and the Cessna gauge will go up.
Question: Are the gauges accurate?
Answer: As accurate as any other gauge. In other words, don't count on them.
Question: Do the pumps automatically shut off?
Answer: We've looked into automatic systems but considering cost and reliability, we've decided to stay with our proven system.
Question: What about water getting into the caps?
Answer: On our extended tips, as long as the o-rings are maintained, we don't have that problem. We currently are using the same caps as can be found on new Cessna and Cirrus aircraft, along with a cap that is similar to what is used on the F-16. We even tested the cap by submersion in water and we saw no leakage. On our internal tanks, the cap is inside a scupper under a flush door and water isn't a concern either. Just like is found on your main fuel system, our kits have their own quickdrain which should be checked for water during pre-flight.
Question: Should I keep the tanks full?
Answer: It's always a good idea to keep tanks full to prevent condensation.
Question: Do you make tanks for other than Cessna?
Answer: Not at this time.
Question: Do you make baggage tanks?
Answer: No. All our tanks are mounted in or on the wing.
Question: Are there performance changes?
Answer: Other than the extra 24 lbs added to our internal tanks, there is no performance change. Our extended tips improve the climb and above 10,000 feet, we usually get reports of an increase of 3 or 4 kits in cruise speed. We do get gross weight increases on many 185s and 206s as well as on the 337.
Question: I have an aftermarket leading edge (e.g.. STOL kit). Will that work with Flint tanks?
Answer: Not a problem. If the leading edge of your wing doesn't exactly match the leading edge of our tank (ours is just like the factory wing) you can fabricate a fence where the two meet. Take a look at these pictures to see how installers have handled it.
Question: What is the life of the tanks?
Answer: Our experience has been 15 to 25 years with little or no problems.
Question: Doesn't the fiberglass deteriorate with time?
Answer: Gas doesn't bother it. We have tanks in service that were installed in the late 60's.
Question: Does the wing have to be beefed up?
Answer: On some 206 and 210 models there is a spar doubler that has to be riveted into the last bay. On the 185's, we include heavier stringers. All the rest require nothing more.
Question: I've heard that you must keep a certain amount of fuel in the aux tanks at all times, is this true?
Answer: Not entirely. For the 185 and the 206(F-H), the tips can be left dry and the aircraft can be loaded to max weight. For the earlier 206 models, the 210, and the 337 you may need to keep some fuel in the tanks until your weight drops below a certain threshold. This is due to the fact that the increased wing area generates more lift and having some fuel in the tips reduces the stress on the wing at higher gross weights.With our internal tanks this is obviously not an issue.
Question: My gauges aren't reading correctly, are they broken?
Answer: Probably not, more likely its a problem with your senders. A few years back we started using a marine sending unit and they have proven to be more reliable than the previous sender. Look here to compare your unit with pictures of our new and old senders. If you have an older style sender we recommend you replace it before replacing your gauge.
Question: How do your tanks affect an auto pilot system?
Answer: There has been some confusion regarding this. Some of this confusion is the result of one auto pilot company, S-TEC, saying that our tanks are “not approved” with their system. We know there is no problem with auto pilot and our tanks so we contacted S-TEC. Their definition of “not approved” is not the same definition as most people would think. Most people think “not approved” means that combination is not a good idea. S-TEC, however, simply means that they have not flight tested that combination so they are not going to say “approved.” They sent us a letter to that effect that you can read here. By the way, when we certified our extended tanks for the 185, we had an FAA test pilot fly the plane to see how much our tanks affected the auto pilot. His conclusion was that the effect was so slight that he didn't’t even require any mention of auto pilot in the Flight Manual Supplement. The bottom line is: not a problem.
Question: What is the warranty on your kits?
Answer: Our kits are covered by a one year warranty for the parts (labor is NOT included).
Question: My aircraft has boots and is certified for flight into known icing, what happens to the certification with your tips?
Answer: Our tips are not certified for known icing and will take your aircraft out of the known icing category if installed.
Question: Why are some of your tanks designated ""Lightning Resistant."
Answer: These tanks are availiable for the 206(F-H) and the 210(G-R) and are required for Jet Fuel powered aircraft. While similar in appearance to our AVGAS tanks, they are quite different in their construction.
Question: Do you have EASA validations for your kits?
Answer: Yes, many of our kits are currently validated by EASA and we are working to add more. Please call for more information.
Question: Why can't I transfer from my Flint Aero aux system to my main tanks while I'm using my mains?
Answer: The short answer is because it’s illegal. When the FAA approved our system, they wanted to isolate it from the engine for added safety. Technically speaking the only real danger is if you have bladder tanks. Our fuel system tee's into the fuel line in the aft door post with bladder equipped aircraft. If you transfer fuel from your aux tanks, and continue to run the pumps, you run the risk of introducing air into the fuel line to the engine. Metal tanks aren't as critical, as the transfer from the aux tanks go directly into your main tanks.
Question: Are the kits complete?
Answer: Yes, the kits come with everything necessary for the installation. The only thing that the installer will have to provide are basic shop items like PRC. Those with newer aircraft may want to provide their own Cessna recessed inspection covers and doublers to match the existing inspection covers on their aircraft. Our covers are surface mount. Since we typically provide more inspection covers than are necessary, and because we can not buy the Cessna covers at a cost cheaper than most FBOs can, we do not include the recessed covers in our kits.
Question: Do you interface with the Garmin G-1000?
Answer: Not at this time.
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