Message-ID: <364FCE7B.6CB9@select-ware.com>
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1998 02:04:27 -0500
From: m w grossmann <fries@select-ware.com>
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Organization: select ware, inc.
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Subject: Re: Bit of a Scare
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Robert Chilcoat wrote:

> > If I read this right, you did a touch and go and changed tanks while you were
> > on the runway?  My instructors have always taught me this is a bad idea, and I
> > agree.  *Never* change tanks immediately before or during a critical portion
> > of flight unless you absolutely have to.  When you switch there's always a
> > chance that your fuel flow will be disrupted.  Maybe some water has settled in
> > the bottom of the new tank, or some debris that shook loose has settled into
> > the fuel line, or maybe you're switching to a tank that you forgot was almost empty.

> No, it was a full stop landing (we're not allowed to do T&G's at SJB,
> the RW is only 2700 feet, and we are always having problems with the
> neighbors' complaints about noise - a problem with every airport in
> NJ).   I changed tanks as part of the short "prior to takeoff" checklist
> that's placarded on the panel, which we use between landings and the
> next takeoff.  It includes "fuel on fullest tank", which I did.

Well that explains the changeover between time in the air...
 
> I understand fully about the need to check for water.  However, at our
> school you have to scrounge a sump drain bottle and return it, since I
> don't have my own yet (but I'm going to get one, now).  My CFI, who is
> also the local DE, considers it unnecessary to check for water unless
> the a/c has been sitting overnight.  We have never had a problem with
> water from the pumps.  OTOH, I have never been 100% comfortable with
> that view, and plan to check for water at every preflight from now on.

It comes down to this: Do you REALLY TRUST the guy who flew before you?
Would you put your life in his hands? Did HE really check the fuel? Did
he maybe miss some dirt or water? A fuel cup from Sporty's wont cost you
more than $15, including postage! That's what? 15 mins of flying? 

good idea to look for emergency fields while returning, and good to turn
on Carb heat. So why did you turn it off? AFAIK, you're supposed to have
carb heat on before you hit base, or so I was taught. You just gotta
remember to kill that carb hat before the next take-off. That one you
learn REAL FAST.

Cheers-

m w grossmann, PP-ASEL
