Confession time (long)

I thank God a lot for letting me live through that.

I've said that after a few flights.

Thanks for sharing the story, Lee -- this thread has contained many good
lessons for us all.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

On 6 Apr 2005 15:37:06 -0700, "
wrote:

It wasn't me (although I have done my share of incredibly dumb
things).

I think I've told this before, but for those who have heard it, please
have patience and it's for those who haven't read it.

One of the partners in a previous airplane always made me a tad
nervous. He flew more hours than any of the other 4 members in the
club, but most of his flying was done on vacations and family trips
with little or no flying between trips.

He had one trip he flew around 4 times a year. These trips were near
the limits endurance range of the aircraft, but included reserves
(just barely)

One night on the way home he ran into high head winds. He had flown
this route many times and thought nothing of it, nor did he pay much
attention. (He was flying by distance, not time).

He landed near midnight.
When he fueled up, I believe he had a gallon and a half in one tank
with the other dry.

After a flight on the order of 5 hours, he landed without enough fuel
in the tanks to even do a go around. He had less than 10 minutes in
the tank in a level attitude. He was well below the *useable* quantity
in the book. That engine would have quit had he even tried to climb.

Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com