padu 0 #1 October 13, 2008 Yeah yeah... just took the test and fail by 3 questions... I guess I'll have to read the manual Now, WTF do I have to know how much fuel the airplane must have for a jump run?Una volta che avrete imparato a Volare, camminerete sulla terra guardando il cielo perchè è là che siete stati ed è là che vorrete tornare. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #2 October 13, 2008 WTF do I have to know how much fuel the airplane must have for a jump run? SOMEBODY has to know, ya don't really think the pilot cares do ya?! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tombuch 0 #3 October 13, 2008 Quote Yeah yeah... just took the test and fail by 3 questions... I guess I'll have to read the manual Now, WTF do I have to know how much fuel the airplane must have for a jump run? I don't see that question in my package of USPA questions for cat D. However, students in the United States should understand FAA regulations to the degree necessary to know when the operation is violating important FAR's. Too many dropzones fly with no fuel reserve, and that places jumpers at risk. It is very reasonable for students to learn that the pilot must carry enough fuel to reach his intended destination (back on the DZ) with 30 minutes of reserve in the daytime, or 45 minutes at night (FAR 91.151). There is never any excuse for a pilot running out of fuel, or flight planning with no reserve. If that happens at your DZ, the pilot needs to be retrained or replaced. You should be able to ask any jump pilot how much fuel he will burn on the intended flight to/from altitude, how much usable fuel he has in the tanks, and what his reserve will be upon landing. He should be able to answer those questions with certainty on every load. Fuel loads are notoriously difficult to measure on small Cessnas, so your pilot should check the tanks with a dip stick after every refueling, and if there is any question about how much fuel he has on board. The dip stick should be specific to the tanks being checked, or if it is a 'ruler' type device, there should be a clear conversion chart available. Likewise, your pilot should have accurate records of how much fuel he actually burns on a typical flight, and on a heavy flight to higher altitudes. You should be able to see all the records and should expect every one of your pilots to be able to explain fuel management to you in great detail. Don't try asking about most of that stuff on a busy Saturday afternoon, but rather in the morning or evening when the pilot has time to help educate you. If your pilots treat your questions as a burden, then you need new pilots.Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
