Fuel Hoses

Fire sleeve is an aircraft safety standard in the USA

"Fire sleeve is an aircraft safety standard in the USA"

Is this true for ALL aircraft, or just certified ?😈

Most light sport aircraft Mfg’s put it on for the light sport in the USA, but I have seen a couple that didn’t. When I do a rubber hose change I always make sure it’s on and if not I put it on. It’s easy to be average, but far better to be a cut above and do the “best practice” maintenance to protect the aircraft occupants and yourself as the mechanic.

"...............far better to be a cut above and do the “best practice” maintenance to protect the aircraft occupants.."

Roger ! Roger ! - The line between best practice and for psychological effect/appearance, can be a bit blurry at times  - this is one of those times.

I use fire sleeve/insulating wrap in a targeted approach ie only where I hope it will have some beneficial effect.

# My over engine fuel lines, are sleeved, in the hope of reducing on ground boiling/vaporization of the fuel within.

# My oil/fuel & coolant hoses, are protected just for the length that comes in close proximity to the exhaust system, to protect the integrity of the "rubber".

To be honest I don't know for a fact but simple logic suggests to me that fire sleeve, as used in most recreational small aircraft, powered by Rotax engines, will do close to nothing, in an in-flight fire situaton. If fitted as per a certified aircraft it will perform slightly better. 

I have always suspected,an inflight fire, in a small recreational aircraft, will likly lead to a fatal crash. The only effective prevention, is good maintenance practices. The expectation that fire sleeves will save the day, is up there with faith healing.

If you have empirical evidence, to contradict my speculation, please share.

"........and yourself as the mechanic"

Could this be the primary driver?? 

I have no doubt that your satisfied customers, fly away with their wonderfully attractive fire sleeves, covering every oil/fuel hose in the engine compartment, with the (orange) glow of reassurance, that they are somehow so much safer. If this be the case, I agree 100%,  the customer gets, what the customer wants, no matter how deluded.😈

The first reason to use fire sleeve is to protect the fuel and oil lines from fire. The fire may start as electrical, but you don’t want to feed that fire with fuel and oil from unprotected hose. Plus the fuel will take that fire to 1800F - 2000F. I’m a 30 year retired firefighter and hazardous materials tech.