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I like to take off using the header tank. When I get to altitude, I use the header tank. For landing I make sure that I am using the header tank. Fuel management is just too simple with a header tank. Oh, and did I mention, I use magnetos.
In a prior life with a Comanche-250 with 4 tanks, I climbed and set up for cruse on the left main tank in order to equalize the weight on the aircraft. My pilot side was always heavier because I don't take anyone with me that weighs more than me. By the time I had burned off the fuel in one of the auxiliary tanks, I could tell to within a couple of minutes when each of the other tanks would be empty. When and if I finished the fuel in the left main, I could count on there being at least that much in the right main because the right main had only been flown in lean mode whereas the left main had been used full rich for the climb.
I had a C-340 with 9 fuel tanks. 5 tanks of the left side and 4 on the right. Every aircraft fuel system has to be understood and used appropriately.
In the pattern, as (and if) the aircraft turns left, the fuel should stay in the middle just as it does when the aircraft is sitting on a level field. If the fuel is being "pushed" to either the left or the right, it means that the pilot is not using the appropriate amount of rudder. Correct this left or right "push" with rudder pedal. All takeoffs and pattern turns should be flown coordinated.
When you take off and don’t give enough right rudder during climb out (very common), the fuel will be pushed to the left. If your tanks are low it’s possible that the fuel will be pushed away from the fuel pickup and starve the engine, where if you are on the right tank, the fuel is being pushed towards the pickup.
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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
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