Thankfully not ZDL. This is the tragic scene of last weekend's aircrash at Margate in which fellow aviator Rob Mirtle and Hazel Nash were killed. I landed many times at Rob Mirtle's airfield in Camperdown during my intial NPL training at Light Flight.
Since the crash, the aviation forum Avcom has been alive with news and information about the probable causes of the engine failure after take-off (EFATO) and I have also done some research as well as attended a safety lecture last night at Ayre Aviation where I completed my PPL course.
I thought I learned a lot during our 25-hour adventure south to the Cape in our Red Rocket, but I have learnt a heap since then with these recent aircrashes.
One of the most frequent causes of an engine failure is fuel starvation for various reasons and the following is my layman's contribution to an understanding in preventing an engine failure due to lack of fuel...
FUEL CHECKLIST
1. Switch on the fuel pump before you start the engine to hear it whirr and know it is working.
2. Ensure that for take-offs and landings the fuel pump is switched on as it will help ensure positive pressure driving the fuel to the carbs and will help eliminate vapour lock (evaporated fuel fumes blocking the flow of fuel).
3. Be cautious of re-starting a hot engine or a plane that has been baking in the sun as this is the type of situation that can cause fuel to vaporise and block the fuel lines.
4. Ensure that your fuel tanks have sufficient fuel for the intended journey. This seems trite, but has been the cause of many an accident.
5. Physically check the level of fuel in the tanks visually and don't rely on instruments, or your knowledge of what was in the tank the night before. Fuel can easily leak out of the pressure release valves, some fuel evaporates, and fuel theft is not uncommon.
6. Always do a magnetos check before take-off to test your engine running at high revs, so that on take-off they should not suddenly falter, and register that the outcome of the tests falls within the parameters for your engine as set out in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH). Sling (Rotax 912 ULS) mag drop should not exceed 300 rpm @ 4000 rpm, and differential between left and right mag should not exceed 120 rpm.
7. After doing these checks do not tamper with the fuel system eg changing tank - as the use of the fuel in the changed tank will not have been tested. If you are landing and intending to change fuel tanks for the next leg of the flight, change fuel tank after landing so that the new tank is in use already while you are taxing to stop. This will give you some assurance that that fuel tank is delivering correctly before your next take-off.
8. Always check the fuel before each flight for water or other contamination by taking a sample of the fuel from the lowest-point testing valve. Only refill the tanks using a black (conductive) approved fuel-filter to remove contaminants and water and avoid static built-up that could ignite the vapours.
9. Ensure that your fueltank caps are securely locked or fitted.
10. For Sling-type onboard EFIS systems, input the fuel levels so that the EFIS reflects the actual fuel onboard. It uses this information to calculate remaining range and levels.
11. Continuously check your fuel levels during flight. The valve could be leaking and result in fuel loss as you fly.
SAFE FLYING
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