Running dry?

Roy Smith wrote:
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?


On the Cherokee Six, I'd generally start on one main, climb to altitude and
after about half an hour, switch to the opposite tip tank. Then to the other
tip tank (after I don't remember how long... I think it was 45 minutes).
Anyway, it was my intention to burn the tips off first; the theory being that
the arm was longer and would have more effect on the weight of the wing,
therefore it was a good thing to get those tanks out of the equation first.
Subsequently the fuel burn would have a minimal effect on the lateral balance of
the aircraft... you could run for an hour on each side before switching again
without really feeling it.

The mains held 25 gallons each and the tips were 17 each, IIRC.



--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN

VE