Sun Dec 09, 2012 2:34 pm
#1125328
Many of you will have read (over on GA) about the aircraft going down on 08/12/12. Firstly, my condolences to the family of the pilot.
Hatzflyer's very detailed and vivid account of his experience, caught in, around and over the fog bank in the area sent chills down my spine. Hatzflyer, very well handled, you kept a cool head and brought it down safely. His post and many others which followed really scared me and thats what led me to post my experience here, anonymously.
The one thing that was drilled into me by my instructor was 'always have plenty of fuel'. We never took off for a training flight >2hrs without ample fuel or full tanks (and proper fuel calculations). Frequent training diversions mid lesson etc all helped with confidence to deal with such situations should they ever arise.
Upon obtaining my license, I noticed a very very worrying trend. Not once, not twice but many times Whenever I would hire an a/c from my school they were always mocking (maybe too harsh a word?) my decision to fill tanks up for my usually long xc trips. I would hear 'its plenty' 'it'll do you' 'tech log shows only 2hr used so 2hrs remaining etc' [note instructor had left, these were new owners of the club speaking to me]
I'm quite a cautious pilot, adventurous, push my boundaries by flying further afield etc but try not to take undue risks. But after a few of these 'talking to's' my confidence took a beating. The final straw was another chat as 'I shouldn't have filled up at that airfield, their fuel is expensive. There was enough fuel for you to get back'. At this point I knew I would no longer be able to fly with this club. I was not prepared to risk mine and others safety. A few of my thoughts for my situation
- The plane could have been almost on fumes many times
- Tech log not always accurate. On cold starts over a few days engine would be run for 10-20 mins (per time) to start up/prime and get warm while de-icing.
- These times not entered, so slightly less fuel than stated in log.
- I am the PIC and its my responsibility to make sure I have ample fuel for destination and a diversion or two (as in Hatzflyer's case).
I myself am not really confrontational or argumentative. So I voted with my feet and went elsewhere within the UK to hour-build. To my friends still there and others who may be in similar situations, I just told them what my instructor told me 'Always have ample fuel. If you are flying long 2-3hr legs, spend time planning, alternate's, diversions, higher headwinds than planned, fog banks etc etc' 'Its better to have much more fuel than needed, we can't refuel up here!' (obviously exclusions if your getting into/out of a short runway have weight limitations etc)
Thankfully, new club are normal. I suppose they realize if I fill her up for a 3hr/4hr flight, upon my return the remaining fuel is not going to 'run away' or 'disappear'. In fact they always encourage tabs/full + fill away from home if cheaper
Having read Hatzflyers post, that could so easily have been me, but with much less fuel and got into all kinds of bother or worse. Thats if I were still at my old club. Today i'd like to think I would keep calm and worry about flying the plane, navigating to a diversion correctly and seeking help from a LARS or d&d, not 'I wish I had more fuel to stay up here/get to there...'
Stay safe up there chap's/chapess's.
Hatzflyer's very detailed and vivid account of his experience, caught in, around and over the fog bank in the area sent chills down my spine. Hatzflyer, very well handled, you kept a cool head and brought it down safely. His post and many others which followed really scared me and thats what led me to post my experience here, anonymously.
The one thing that was drilled into me by my instructor was 'always have plenty of fuel'. We never took off for a training flight >2hrs without ample fuel or full tanks (and proper fuel calculations). Frequent training diversions mid lesson etc all helped with confidence to deal with such situations should they ever arise.
Upon obtaining my license, I noticed a very very worrying trend. Not once, not twice but many times Whenever I would hire an a/c from my school they were always mocking (maybe too harsh a word?) my decision to fill tanks up for my usually long xc trips. I would hear 'its plenty' 'it'll do you' 'tech log shows only 2hr used so 2hrs remaining etc' [note instructor had left, these were new owners of the club speaking to me]
I'm quite a cautious pilot, adventurous, push my boundaries by flying further afield etc but try not to take undue risks. But after a few of these 'talking to's' my confidence took a beating. The final straw was another chat as 'I shouldn't have filled up at that airfield, their fuel is expensive. There was enough fuel for you to get back'. At this point I knew I would no longer be able to fly with this club. I was not prepared to risk mine and others safety. A few of my thoughts for my situation
- The plane could have been almost on fumes many times
- Tech log not always accurate. On cold starts over a few days engine would be run for 10-20 mins (per time) to start up/prime and get warm while de-icing.
- These times not entered, so slightly less fuel than stated in log.
- I am the PIC and its my responsibility to make sure I have ample fuel for destination and a diversion or two (as in Hatzflyer's case).
I myself am not really confrontational or argumentative. So I voted with my feet and went elsewhere within the UK to hour-build. To my friends still there and others who may be in similar situations, I just told them what my instructor told me 'Always have ample fuel. If you are flying long 2-3hr legs, spend time planning, alternate's, diversions, higher headwinds than planned, fog banks etc etc' 'Its better to have much more fuel than needed, we can't refuel up here!' (obviously exclusions if your getting into/out of a short runway have weight limitations etc)
Thankfully, new club are normal. I suppose they realize if I fill her up for a 3hr/4hr flight, upon my return the remaining fuel is not going to 'run away' or 'disappear'. In fact they always encourage tabs/full + fill away from home if cheaper
Having read Hatzflyers post, that could so easily have been me, but with much less fuel and got into all kinds of bother or worse. Thats if I were still at my old club. Today i'd like to think I would keep calm and worry about flying the plane, navigating to a diversion correctly and seeking help from a LARS or d&d, not 'I wish I had more fuel to stay up here/get to there...'
Stay safe up there chap's/chapess's.