Page 34 - Volume 17 Number 10

Pilots Neededthe environment since 1979.42 • www.lighthawk.org orizontalmanual and figure it out now, before you’re in the air needing the procedure.You should also test the fuel crossfeed system occasionally. The Airplane Flying Handbook tells us:Checking crossfeed operation on the ground with a quick repositioning of the fuel selectors does nothing more than ensure freedom of motion of the handle. To actually check crossfeed operation, a complete, functional crossfeed system check should be accomplished. To do this, each engine should be operated from its crossfeed position during the runup. The engines should be checked individually, and allowed to run at moderate power (1500 rpm minimum) for at least (one) minute to ensure that fuel flow can be established from the crossfeed source. Upon completion of the check, each engine should be operated for at least (one) minute at moderate power from the main (takeoff) fuel tanks to reconfirm fuel flow prior to takeoff.This suggested check is not required prior to every flight. Infrequently used, however, crossfeed lines are ideal places for water and debris to accumulate unless they are used from time to time and drained using their external drains during preflight.Note that some airplane designs (for example, the Beech Barons I fly) have no drains in the crossfeed lines. The only way to remove condensation and contamination in designs of this sort is to run the engines in crossfeed as described in the Airplane Flying Handbook. In all cases, ensure that the fuel selectors are re-set to the ON (or other POH-stipulated takeoff-safe) position and that the engines will run reliably at that selection before beginning your takeoff run. It may be safer, in fact, to do your crossfeed check after landing and just before engine shutdown. This assures you’ll have several checklist steps to remind you to set the tanks correctly before your next takeoff.Why use crossfeed?OK, that’s the “how” to use crossfeed. But, why would you actually use it? Here are some reasons:Training: Ironically, this is the most common use of crossfeed—when you’re practicing how you would use it for real. Ask your instructor to include the crossfeed operation in your next simulator session or Flight Review. Like any other procedure, you need to become familiar with it in a low-stress environment if you ever hope to be able to do it in an actual emergency.Range extension: The main justification for adding the weight and complexity of all that crossfeed plumbing is to be able to access all the available fuel on board to maximize range when flying with one engine shut down. Partly supporting this notion is the fact that, on one engine, the operating powerplant will probably beVolunteer Pilots NeededLightHawkFull Page Ad 4/C AdVolunteers flying for the environment since 1979.Phone: 307-332-3242 www.lighthawk.org32 • TWIN & TURBINEOCTOBER 2013r2Quarter