How do you guys check fuel in-flight

[DebianDog]

(for non-Century owners - the tank is underneath the Canopy in the front)

I really like the Century line and with my gasser I never really worry about running out of fuel but... with my new Predator, outfitted with a YS-80, I burn fuel up pretty quick.

Now I just land it at about the 6 minute mark and "look" as compared to the Raptor I can just do a "fly-by" and see.

[big-al]

try using a header tank and a timer on your radio. these are the methods I use.

[DebianDog]

Yeah... that is my method now, for the most part. Guess I could set the timmer to "beep" at me.

Thought about changing to a "brighter" fuel. :lol:

[flyinfool]

I fly a full tank of FFF at wide open throttle to determin the max fuel burn rate and then set a timer on the TX for 30 seconds less.

[DebianDog]

I fly a full tank of FFF at wide open throttle to determine the max fuel burn rate and then set a timer on the TX for 30 seconds less.

I do not know if that is possible with my skills :DOH

[flyinfool]

The gassers and 90's can really haul some but. :shock:

[Rodney]

I use a timer when i remember to start it. :roll:

[flyinfool]

My timer is activated by the idle up switch, I never fly in normal.

[Adam Turner]

Practice autos then you wont need to worry!!!!

Adam

[DebianDog]

Practice autos then you wont need to worry!!!!

Adam

Good point ;)

[Adam Turner]

I dont have any timers I just know when its about to run out of fule because the engine stops making noise!

Thats rite I use the Omi ELD (every last drop), and it just cuts. The amount of times I have landed with no fule in the tank. Just whats left in the foam and fule line :shock:

But seriously, if, when you think you are going to run out of fule, shoot an auto. Check it then, and if you have a bit left do a few more autos. eventually you will just know how much flight time you have.

Adam

PS. Bet that Condor Autos well.

[DebianDog]

Well if I fill the tank on the Condor I am WAY tired of flying before the tank empties. Running a 1250 headspeed it flys for 25-30 minutes. :roll:

Autos? Heck you can kill the motor and take off again. No BS! :lol:

[DavidH]

I use a timer when i remember to start it

On the 9Z I set the timer to start when the throttle stick is above 1/4 ( about 20% on throttle curve) position. That way when I am flying the timer is running.

David

[Rodney]

Good point David.

[Tom Fiddler]

My timer is also set to just above idle.
9 CHP

[Adam Turner]

The only problem with that is that if you do an inverted climb out the timer stops, as it doesnt look at the throtle curve, but where the stick is!

Adam

[Rodney]

I will ask David about that at Clinstones and get back with you Adam.

[DavidH]

Not a problem. I would guess in a 10 min flight with a 90. The throttle stick is maybe at the lowest position for about 20 -30 seconds total time during the flight. I don't think there is many pilots that fly with the collective at full negative for long periods of time. Just set the timer to alarm at 45 seconds to 1 min before time for fuel to run out.

David

[esmith]

I forget to use the timer all the time, of course I've been flying a raptor so no sweat. This year I'll be flying a Pred max so I'm kinda interested in this thread. A header tank is ok but it doesn't last long enough. only about 40 seconds on my 50. When I do use the timer on the radio, I rarely can hear the beep, at FF's there are other guys flying and people talking and I just don't hear it.

The guys I see around here flying preds are doing the land and check it thing or are flying the gasser and have no worries about that. I was thinking a window to the fuel tank in the canopy might work but I don't want to butcher my canopy.

Not sure what I'm gonna do when the time comes but it's looking like I'll be landing and checking it for now.

-eSmith.

[Rodney]

You sahould get a good 10 minute flight at least. Set it so it beeps then if you are flying by yourself it will go off. If at an event have your spotter keep track of the time for you.

[ThBrtmn]

What was said earlier....Be proficient in your Autos....Then fly till you Die :mrgreen: