Topics of debate

It's not a secret that I have an interest in Biodiesel. The fuel is a good idea from many standpoints, not the least of witch, I can make it at home. The debate over Ethanol Vs Biodiesel is starting to become louder. A great deal if the information I've seen has always leaned to Ethanol. However, now I've found this little bit, and I wanted to share it:

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/07/ethanol_vs_biod_1.php#perma

I'm not against Ethanol as a fuel source. I think the Harper government pushing the idea of all gasoline in Canada to have at least 10% ethanol is a good thing. It's just that I've had less luck with it. When ever I fill any of my cars with Mohawk or Husky, stations that claim to be adding ethanol for some time, I instantly notice the drop in fuel economy. So that begs the question, if I burn more of a better fuel, is that better? If the math works out that it's better for me to burn 12L of ethanol blended fuel, over 10L of regular, then I'm all for it.

Again, another reason to promote Biodiesel. Little or no change in fuel economy vs the same engine on regular Dino-diesel.

(It's at this point, I begin to babble on, you may wish skip ahead abit.)

One of my other interest is in things that fly. Airplanes, Helicopters, and a number of variations on those themes. On the down side, they tend to burn a great amount of fuel. I belong to a group called the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). A group out of the States, of well meaning folk, promoting aviation as a hobby for the average guy. Many of the aircraft that they deal with use engines designed for small airplanes, but use automotive fuels. Here's the problem, they were designed for very specific fuels, without Ethanol. If an engine is not designed from the start to take Ethanol, more than 10% can be a bad thing. So the EAA has started a campaign in the US, in states that are pushing for mandatory ethanol use, to stop it.

At this point, I've been sitting on the fence. I like flying things, but I also like fresh air. So the EAA has been forging along trying to insure that it's members will be able to get the fuel they need to stay flying. That's fine. Until I read in one of there papers that they had the balls to say that "Ethanol additives add to pollution". They also mention increased fuel prices.

I'm still supporting the use of bio-fuels, however I've got a bone to pick with the EAA. I understand why they have taken the position they have, but at least keep your arguments real.

(Okay, I'm done now)

For along time I had a picture of a solar powered airplane on my desktop of my computer. It was a design based on a glider, with an electric motor. I loved the idea. Range had more to do with sunset, than anything else.

I'm holding out for a model with floats, so I can take it to Beaton.