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Hi all,
A recurring theme seems to be that one should should not rely in fuel
gauges. I can understand that from a safety point of view (I always
dip the tank before start), but I get the feeling that they are
considered just plain inaccurate. Why is that, every car I've driven
has a fuel gauge that seems accurate. Am I missing something?


What kind of car do you drive?
I've never yet driven a car with an accurate fuel gauge. Usually they go
down very slowly for the first half, then much more quickly - exactly the
opposite of the response you would want if your life were to depend on
it.

Fuel gauges in small airplanes often have problems, and should not be
relied upon. There are better methods for soiuynd fuel management.

This said, thje later-generation (post GARA) airplanes have made huge
strides in this respect, and I definitely have a much higher level of
copnfidence in the gauges of a 172-R or a 182-S than the older models.