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The Following list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) is intended to be a starting point for your technical questions and/or support needs. Please read these questions carefully to see if they address any of the information that you need.
 

Table of Contents 

  1. Why aluminum tip tanks ?
  2. How long have Osborne Tip Tanks been in service ?
  3. What size Tip Tanks are available ?
  4. What Tip Tanks systems are available ?
  5. How fast does the tip tank fuel transfer to its main tank ?
  6. Do I have to leave fuel in my tip tanks ?
  7. Do you ship International ?
  8. Do you drop ship orders ?
  9. Do you provide installation support ?
  10. Has Osborne ever supplied Beechcraft with factory new Tip Tank kits?
  11. Does your tip tank kit include Nav & Strobe lights ?
  12. How much does a tip tank kit weigh ?
  13. Do my ailerons have to be removed and weighted heavier?
  14. Are your tip tank kits FAA approved ?
  15. Can you provide FAA 8130-3 form ?
  16. Do my tanks come pre-painted ?
  17. What is included in the tip tank kit ?
  18. Do I get a gross weight increase ?
  19. Who can install my tip tank kit ?
  20. Are your tip tank installations approved with a 3 bladed propeller ?
  21. Does the tip tank kit include fuel gauge choices ?
  22. Is there a wing span change increase ?
  23. What aircraft records will my installers need to complete the Tip Tank installation?
  24. Does J. L. OSBORNE, INC. carry Product Liability Insurance ?
  25. Are your tip tanks made in the USA ?

1. Why aluminum tip tanks ?

Osborne (Brittian Industries) aluminum Tip Tanks have been in service for over 50 years.  Their lightweight construction and longevity is unsurpassed. No grounding straps or netting are required for electrical storm interference. Unlike other inferior Tip Tank construction materials; lightning strikes uses aluminum as a ladder, not a pass through like other materials. 

Aluminum’s’ lightweight construction is stronger and durable. Aluminum never warps or waves Between Tip Tank attachment mounting screws. Final paint color shade changes will not be an issue with aluminum material. 

Ground strikes help minimize wing damage, not to mention the durability and toughness of the aluminum tanks to resist fuel spillage or impact rupture. System maintenance is virtually effortless.

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2. How long have Osborne Tip Tanks been in service ?

Osborne (formerly Brittian Industries) aluminum tip tanks have been in service for over 50 years.  Still in service on Navion aircraft that were manufactured in 1954. Piper Aircraft, Beechcraft Bonanza and T34 models since 1960.

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3. What size Tip Tanks are available ?

Bonanza and Navion are 20 US gallons each.  Piper Comanche are 15 US gallons each.  
Note: Fuel is all usable in both quantities Tip Tanks.

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4. What Tip Tank systems are available ?

The following is contingent for certain aircraft models:

The original gravity feed is used via a manual selector valve, i.e. direct engine feed.

The latest system for the Electric Transfer System: This is used via a separate electrical toggle switch assembly pumping (transferring) tip tank fuel to its corresponding (respective) main tank. 

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5. How long does it take to transfer the Tip Tank fuel to its respective main tank ?

Tip Transfer time is approximately 50 minutes to 1 (one) hour and automatically (shuts off pump) stops transferring when the Tip Tank(s) empties.

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6. Do I have to leave fuel in my Tip Tanks ?

No. There are no requirements to keep the tanks filled avoiding fuel cell dry- out or cracking etc.   Having no bladder or using inferior construction material aluminum construction will not dry out.

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7. Do you ship International ?

Yes.  Additional Handling charges may apply depending on import/export documentation required.

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8. Do you drop ship orders ?

Yes.

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9. Do you provide installation support ?

Yes, we have technical stall available via our toll free number. After our hours and non-business day our toll free number is forwarded to a 24/7 answering service. Fax request and email. 

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10. Has Osborne ever supplied Beechcraft with factory new Tip Tank kits ? 

Yes, Beechcraft used Osborne’s Tip Tank kit OEM (original equipment) available when ordering factory direct.  Osborne still sells factory direct to Raytheon.

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11. Does your tip tank kit include Nav & Strobe lights ?

Yes our Tip Tank kits (Bonanza/Navion) include Whelen brand navigation & strobe lights and are pre-installed in all approved kits, however the power supply is not included.

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12. How much does the Tip Tank Kit weigh ? 

Tip Tanks vary with aircraft type and model. However kit the ranges are 19 lbs.–27 lbs.

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13. Do my ailerons have to be removed and weighted heavier? 

No. Navion models are external aileron weights replaced by Osborne flush weights.

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14. Are your Tip Tank Kits FAA approved? 

Yes, Osborne holds the necessary Supplement Type Certificates “STC” along with a FAA parts manufacturing approval (PMA).

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15. Can you provide FAA 8130-3 form?

Yes.  This is only available upon request at time of ordering and may warrant a documentation fee.

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16. Do my tanks come pre-painted ?

No.  We coat tanks using a DUPONT 2 (two) part Corlar epoxy primer/sealer.  This epoxy coating is acceptable as a compatible topcoat sealer for the final color coat.

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17. What main items are included in a Tip Tank kit ?

Tip tank set, al necessary hardware, tubing, (pre-flared and formed) cockpit fuel gauge, connectors, and selector valve/transfer pumps respectively.

Packing slip, Installation instructions, Installation drawings, POH/FMS, Continued Airworthiness sheet STC etc. respectfully.

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18. Do I get a gross weight increase ?

Yes, all models eligible, except certain single engine Piper Comanche models.

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19. Who can install my Tip Tank kit ?

A qualified A & P (Airframe and Power plant) mechanic. Note: An IA ( Inspection Authorization) rating is required to release the aircraft back into airworthiness service following approval of tip tank kit installation inspection.

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20. Are your tip tank installations approved with a 3 bladed propeller  ?

Yes.

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21. Does the tip tank kit include fuel gauge choices ?

Yes. All kits (except PA 30 and 39 Comanche) are furnished with a 2 ¼” round internally lit single gauge. A miniature selector toggle (cross) switch is provided for LH & RH tip fuel quantity readings.

Osborne also offers a single 2 ¼” round internally lit single dual (indicating) gauge upgrade, that shows both tip quantities (requiring no selector switch).

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22. Is there a dimensional wing span increase change after the Tip Tanks are installed ?

No, it is negative, the Tip Tanks off set the factory wing tip faring dimension.

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23. What aircraft records will my installers need to complete the Tip Tank installation ?

Current weight and balance, Airframe log book and Pilot Operating Hand Book (POH/AFM)

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24. Does J. L. OSBORNE, INC. carry product liability insurance ?

Yes.

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25. Are your tip tanks made in the USA ?

Yes.

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Please call a J. L. Osborne Sales Representative to answer any questions and obtain more information on our product line and availability.
 
   
 
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J. L. OSBORNE, INC. | 18173 Osborne Rd. | Victorville, CA 92394
Phone: (800) 963-8477 | (760) 245-8477
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