MANAGING FUEL IN FLIGHT
MEMORY JOGGER #3
MANAGING
FUEL IN FLIGHT
Most low-wing
single-engine aircraft cannot feed from both fuel tanks at the same time and so
have LEFT, RIGHT and OFF fuel selector positions. To maintain lateral balance,
try to keep the tanks as equal as reasonably possible. For example, after take-off
fly for half an hour on one tank, and then an hour on the other, switching
hourly thereafter. This should keep you from having more than a half-hour’s fuel
imbalance at any given time.
As
the tanks are sited lower than the engine, fuel must be pumped. Fuel Pump use can
vary from one aircraft to another. Some designs require the boost pump to be on
for landing and take-off; in others the boost pump is to be used only at high altitude
or when the mechanical pump fails. Pilots must be familiar with fuel
pump operation for each aircraft they fly.
Safety tip: When fuel tanks are not full, ‘over-zealous’
on-ground manoeuvring could move fuel in the tank away from the outflow
ports, so avoid sharply-accelerating turns when given permission to enter the
runway for take-off with immediate clearance.
In-Flight, deviations for weather, stronger headwinds,
or the discovery of low fuel condition may require you to maximize fuel
economy. To conserve fuel:
• Slow down: You’ll burn less
fuel if you cruise at a lower power setting.
• Fly with
the wind: If you have a choice of equidistant fuel stops, pick the one
that’s downwind. You may have to backtrack but you’ll burn less fuel and get there
faster.
• Lean for
best economy: Consult the POH for best economy/long endurance power
settings and leaning procedures
Warning: Fuel consumption figures given in the POH are
based on a properly leaned engine operating at a specific power setting. One
way to get to know your actual fuel consumption is to estimate how much fuel your
airplane will take at each fuel stop. Comparing this with what actually goes into
the tanks is a good way to develop “fuel sense.”
Safety tip: In flight, recalculate range and
endurance hourly. Compare your calculation with distance to destination, to confirm
you have adequate fuel reserve and to allow timely needed adjustment to your
flight plan. Your GPS provides accurate information about ground speed and time
en route, which are essential parameters for determining adequate fuel
reserves.
Accident Report: Before departing cross-country, the
pilot of a Piper Cherokee Six
requested that his two main tanks and two auxiliary tanks be “topped”, but the Re-fueller
subsequently stated that only the mains were filled. En route, the pilot became
aware of a low fuel condition. The engine lost power about five miles out and
an off-airport landing was made. A passenger stated that the pilot had considered
landing for fuel but elected to continue to destination. The pilot and two
passengers died and three remaining passengers were seriously injured,
indicating the importance of checking actual fuel uplift against requirement
before departing.
FLY SAFE!