There is no doubt about it, Fred's fuel system was THE BEST SYSTEM design for any low-wing airplane in 1937. Today, the FAA would never allow it to happen. Fred designed the Cherokee, and saw the shortcomings of the system as new technology became available. The three-tank system is especially hazardous when electronics are installed. They barely clear the tank. There are a bunch of old coupes out there and even Fred said before he passed away, "I never in my wildest dreams thought the airplane would have this kind of lifespan." A 1946 ERcoupe is now 53 years old! Most of the gasoline tanks are original and have been repaired several times over. The members who said, "It is very important that the system be maintained to new condition, and if you do have a forced landing, be sure you turn the master switch OFF before touchdown is extremely important. Two other things should also be brought out. If you are trapped inside a airplane (or car for that matter) and you are covered with gasoline AND THERE IS NO FIRE, you can still die from third degree burns! In conclusion, gasoline FUMES are what is explosive, The raw gas is not. When I bought my Alon eight years ago, I found gasoline stains on the header tank. I made a MUCH LOWER offer on the plane to compensate for the problem I faced. Considering the effort to remove the header tank and reinstall it, I got rid of ALL the old tanks and installed the 15-gal wing tanks. It was expensive, but well worth the money in safety and some day in resale value. Remember, I have flown almost every low-wing airplane out there and owned a Comanche for many years. Of ALL the other low-wing airplanes I have flown, NONE have the header tank. To say that ALL THE OTHER LOW-WING AIRPLANES HAVE A LESS SAFE SYSTEM IS HOGWASH! George Frebert
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