Switching tanks before take-off
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- TAILspin38
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Switching tanks before take-off
Looking for feedback from some of the more EXPERIENCED pilots about switching tanks at the hold short location before doing run-up and then departing. I do this procedure as per requested on the checklist but am now having second thoughts. If you were to have an engine failure on climb out do to a fuel issues this would seem like the ideal time. Am I over paranoid about this possibility? All feedback appreciated, thanks.
- Steve
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Re: Switching tanks before take-off
My Before Takeoff checklist states to switch to the fullest tank before the run-up. If I'm already on the fullest tank, I don't switch. As per the Before Taxi checklist, I've already run for at least one minute on each tank at 1500 RPM. I feel comfortable with this level of assurance.
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Re: Switching tanks before take-off
I don't do it for the reason you state. I set the tank I want to use before start and give it plenty of time to give me a problem before starting the takeoff. Typically I'll leave it there until level off and then switch tanks to make sure the other tank is usable.
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Re: Switching tanks before take-off
After starting up select the lowest tank. Pick up ATIS/clearance then switch to fullest tank before taxi. Don't switch tanks right before T/O, nothing good can come out of that. One of my CFI's smacked my hand early on when I went to pull RPM back to 2,500 after T/O. His reasoning is the engine is rated for 2,700 and it's running perfectly fine, making any changes just produces a new potential point of failure. From then on in my DA40 and G36 I waited to 1,000 AGL to touch anything (prop/mixture).
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- midlifeflyer
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Re: Switching tanks before take-off
Mine is the same as already mentioned. Start on one tank. Switch to the other before runup. When before runup should be after enough time for the first tank to indicate a problem. Takeoff is on the runup tank.
- jwx96
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Re: Switching tanks before take-off
I use midlifeflyer’s technique. I’m past midlife and it’s got me this far.