Alternatives to standard fuel sight gauges

[N204jh]

I've searched the forum for a discussion on alternatives to the standard cub-like fuel tank sight gauges, but couldn't find anything. I saw on some other forums about using Belite Aircrafts fuel transducer, but they are out of business. I'm familiar with the variety of fuel tank gauges, i.e. capacitive, magnetic, but was hoping if anyone actually used (and likes) one of these other solutions.

I understand the nostalgia of using sight gauges and it's just so easy - look up and see the fuel levels on both tanks, but I also don't like another fuel source in the cabin during a crash. Especially in a large Bearhawk 5, the idea of having 2 additional sources of fuel spewing in the cabin is disconcerting. I think C206 with 6 people more than a Supercub or Patrol with 2 tandem seats.

Thoughts and ideas?

John

[jaredyates]

There are some options other than wing root sight gauges. But in any case you are still surrounded in the cabin by the four fuel lines made from soft aluminum. I mounted the sight gauges outboard of the fuselage, on the inboard side of the innermost wing rib, and find that to be an acceptable level of risk. I can't see any forces being imparted to the sight gauge that aren't also going to destroy the main fuel lines first. The wing could be totally separated from the fuselage without removing the sight gauge.
Cubs that I have flown have used a cork and wire in the fuselage tank that sits above the passenger's lap. Naturally that's not an option for us.