Page 17 - March 18 TNT

Inflight Monitoring
Once airborne, monitor fuel state and crosscheck expecta- tions against actual fuel burn as you progress along your route. Different power and mixture settings, or slower-than-planned ground speed, will affect your fuel reserves. Don’t forget to oc- casionally check fuel caps and the trailing edge of the wing behind fuel caps and vents for any signs of fuel venting over- board in flight. I added a step to my “climb checklist” to re- mind me to check behind fuel caps and along the trialing edge of the wing for any sign of fuel leaks. If fuel is venting, land at the nearest airport, correct the source of the fuel leak if pos- sible (secure the caps), and add fuel until you can confirm you have enough to make it to destination with reserves.
Don’t dismiss a fuel gauge showing a fuel level lower than you’d expect. It may be telling the truth. Conversely, some in- flight venting scenarios will cause cockpit gauges to read fuller than actual. You might have to land early to double-check the fuel load if a discrepancy arises between indicated fuel level and your flight planning expectations.
Fuel status tracking is even more important if you’re flying an airplane with multiple, independently selectable fuel tanks. Some twins, especially older ones, have a fuel return that may or may not go to the tank in use. This can create a situation where fuel may be wasted overboard through the vents if the return-fuel tank is over-filled. If you need to move the fuel se- lector, you need to actively monitor fuel state for each tank individually.
How could the Baron and Seneca pilots – and the many more each year – avoid fuel mismanagement accidents?
• Personally watch the airplane when it is fueled;
• Crosscheck fuel level by all means that are possible;
• Followbeforetakeoffandinflightchecklistsmeticulously;
• Predict “fuel used” and “fuel remaining” levels at waypoints along your route of flight, and crosscheck to see that you are meeting or exceeding estimates for fuel remaining as you pass each;
• Ifyouhaveindividuallyselectablefueltanksforeachengine, before takeoff make a written plan of when and where you will change tank selection, and follow that plan in flight;
• Don’trelyonasinglemethodofdecidingthere’senoughfuel on board to begin or complete a trip;
• Divert early, divert often if you have any doubt about your ability to arrive with a healthy fuel reserve.
•
Aircraft crashes are especially tragic when they are the re- sult of pilot-induced engine failure. Manage and monitor to avoid fuel trouble. T&T
March 2018
TWIN & TURBINE • 15
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Thomas P. Turner is an ATP CFII/MEI, holds a master's Degree in Aviation Safety, and was the 2010 National FAA Safety Team Representative of the Year. Subscribe to Tom’s free FLYING LESSONS Weekly e-newsletter at www.mastery-flight-training.com.