Running dry?

"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
news:4Z9Oe.272046$_o.92006@attbi_s71...

Here's an easy way to make sure you never run out of gas.

Since you have been so didactic in your statements in this thread, I'll
assume you are equally so in this post.


1. Refuel after every flight. You will be ready to go for your next
flight, and can rest assured that you have gas on board. (Renters will
have to switch this to refueling BEFORE every flight.)

Might be a problem if you ever need less than full tanks for weight.


2. Install a fuel totalizer. They are cheap (in aviation money), and will
tell you your fuel usage to within a few ounces. (Sorry, renters. Get on
the FBO to install one.)

Yes, they will tell you your usage. But... I travel a lot, often landing at
airports where a line guy fills the tanks. They don't all fill to the same
"top", so when I reset my Shadin I don't really know if I have "full" tanks.
I manually subtract 10 gallons from the full setting if the tanks seem lower
than a normal top during preflight.


3. Never try to stretch your range. Bite the bullet, land and buy gas.

Absolutely.


4. Measure your gas with your watch, never your fuel gauges.

Fuel flow changes dramatically with altitude and power settings. I can burn
anywhere from 12 to 16 GPH. Timing is one input, but using the fuel gauges
and the Shadin are equally worthwhile.

Michael