I've only flown a couple of models with tip tanks (Cherokee Six and
aftermarket tips on a Bonanza). In both of those, takeoffs and landings
are done on the main tanks. I'm guessing that's standard for all tips.
Wouldn't it make more sense to drain the tips, *then* drain the mains?

We always take off and land on the mains. Once airborne, we'll fly for 30
minutes on that tank, then 30 minutes on the other main.

If the flight is longer than an hour, we will then run the tips in 15 minute
increments. (Or 10, or 20 -- whatever it takes to keep them even when we
arrive at our destination.) In our plane, having 17 gallons WAY out at the
end of the wing means that you had better keep things balanced, or you're
gonna be flying tipped at an angle pretty quickly!

;-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"