Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net>
To: lml
Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2007 14:28:13 -0500
Message-ID: <redirect-1833008@logan.com>
Received-SPF: none
 receiver=logan.com; client-ip=68.142.198.202; envelope-from=lorn@dynacomm.ws
Mime-Version: 1.0 (Apple Message framework v752.3)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=WINDOWS-1252; delsp=yes; format=flowed
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
From: Lorn H Olsen <lorn@dynacomm.ws>
Subject: Re: tank selection

I like to take off using the header tank. When I get to altitude, I =20
use the header tank. For landing I make sure that I am using the =20
header tank. Fuel management is just too simple with a header tank. =20
Oh, and did I mention, I use magnetos.

In a prior life with a Comanche-250 with 4 tanks, I climbed and set =20
up for cruse on the left main tank in order to equalize the weight on =20=

the aircraft. My pilot side was always heavier because I don't take =20
anyone with me that weighs more than me. By the time I had burned off =20=

the fuel in one of the auxiliary tanks, I could tell to within a =20
couple of minutes when each of the other tanks would be empty. When =20
and if I finished the fuel in the left main, I could count on there =20
being at least that much in the right main because the right main had =20=

only been flown in lean mode whereas the left main had been used full =20=

rich for the climb.

I had a C-340 with 9 fuel tanks. 5 tanks of the left side and 4 on =20
the right. Every aircraft fuel system has to be understood and used =20
appropriately.

In the pattern, as (and if) the aircraft turns left, the fuel should =20
stay in the middle just as it does when the aircraft is sitting on a =20
level field. If the fuel is being "pushed" to either the left or the =20
right, it means that the pilot is not using the appropriate amount of =20=

rudder. Correct this left or right "push" with rudder pedal. All =20
takeoffs and pattern turns should be flown coordinated.

> When you take off and don=92t give enough right rudder during climb =20=

> out (very common), the fuel will be pushed to the left.  If your =20
> tanks are low it=92s possible that the fuel will be pushed away from =20=

> the fuel pickup and starve the engine, where if you are on the =20
> right tank, the fuel is being pushed towards the pickup.
--
Lorn H. 'Feathers' Olsen, MAA, DynaComm, Corp.
248-345-0500, mailto:lorn@dynacomm.ws
LNC2, FB90/92, O-320-D1F, 1,300 hrs, N31161, Y47, SE Michigan