Safe Storage of MOGAS

[John Hefford]

I've moved home, and this time I've also changed aerodromes. I've finally had a decent break in the weather to fly from Lincs. to Beds. but my new aerodrome has different rules on storing MOGAS (ie: its not permitted). So I need some common-sense advice to identify a safe (and ideally, legal) way of storing fuel at the house.

I live in a ground-floor flat, with no access to a shed or ventilated space. I'm using a 50 Ltr "Flo 'n Go" petrol pump, which is a plastic, air-tight fuel container. So far I have identified three places to keep it:

In the airing cupboard: Close to a heat source (immersion heater boiler - never switched on) and also where tinned food is stored. Not-ventilated, but not many sparks in there to cause fire either.

In the kitchen: Next to an electric cooker (which is used) and in the vicinity of other electric appliances. Kitchen is ventilated with extractor fan (only used when cooking).

In the boot of the car: Not ventilated, but no heat source either. This does cause inconvenience due lack of cargo space, but if there is a fire, it will be confined to my car and not endanger the block of flats.

There is only a minimal amount of fuel stored in the fuel container, as I fill up the aircraft with what I need; but there will be fuel vapours. Where would be the best location to store the fuel be?

[Daniel Scott]

I think storing petrol in your home is a very bad idea, sorry that I'm not more helpful. Buy the amount you want to use, on your way to your aircraft, and then you are only storing an empty container. Regards Daniel Scott

[John Hefford]

I agree that storing any quantity of petroleum in the flat or car isn't ideal, but its impossible to store an empty container. There's still going to be residual fuel vapours in the container, and a small amount of liquid petroleum at the bottom (approx. 1 Litre or less) which is impossible to pump out. I'm trying to decide where the safest place is to store an empty-ish container.

[Trevor Harvey]

Have you tried to discuss the problem with the airfield? If they are unreasonably adamant, could you move? Is an "empty" container allowed? Presumably once the a/c is filled the container is left behind while you fly?

[Daniel Scott]

Would you consider Avgas and can you store it at the airfield ? The extra cost does not amount to much if you are not using much and it is higher quality.

[Daniel Scott]

Paint the word AVGAS on your can, then you can store it on site.

[G.Dawes]

I really hope that you are joking with this, no one could be honestly that stupid????????????????
GD

[Mark A]

You may want to read this.

[Nick Allen]

Would not a solution be to fill your car's tank en route to airfield, siphon fuel from car (filtering appropriately -- there's likely to be some crud in there), leaving enough in your car to get you to the nearest filling station? This obviously assumes you don't drive a diesel!

[ThePipster]

Hi John,

I see your predicament, but storing fuel indoors is just asking for trouble. Apart from anything the containers will smell.

Perhaps some kind of tank for the car could be an idea. The racing guys make tanks that fit in the spare wheel well, that would then be all legal and above board and could be used to store and transport the fuel.

Phil

[Trevor Harvey]

Hi John,
Perhaps some kind of tank for the car could be an idea. The racing guys make tanks that fit in the spare wheel well, that would then be all legal and above board and could be used to store and transport the fuel.

Phil

Didn't the Moonshine Bootleggers do that?

[G.Dawes]

No, ethanol is not allowed.
Bootleggers eh!

[Brian Hope]

20 litre steel jerrycans from Screwfix, about £22 each. Seal well and you can get a flexible spout that locks onto the filler opening for about a fiver. Fill 'em up on the way to the strip and leave the empties in your boot until you need to use them the next week. I think petrol in the house is an absolute no no.

[Alan Kilbride]

I do just as Brian says, but use a pump from Demon Tweeks that clamps to the spout and has a hose that reaches the front tank of my 117. Just pump away for a couple of minutes and all is transfered.

[MikeM]

I, too, use this: http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/karting/f ... olarn-pump