Super Decathlon Fuel Dipstick Measurements?

[ops_guy]

Hi guys,

The place where I am looking to hire out a Super Decathlon does not yet have a fuel dipstick calibrated for it and it will be a little while before it does. As it does not have mechanical fuel quantity gauges, I was wondering if someone could please measure in centimetres fuel quantity indents (U.S Gallons or Litres) on a dipstick for a Super Decathlon so that I can use a ruler to dip the tanks and have peace-of-mind knowing exactly how much is in the tanks.

What are your thoughts on this? Is what I'm asking for reasonable to get by until a fuel dipstick is calibrated for the aircraft?

Thanks in advance.

[ops_guy]

Thanks very much for the reply 'djpil'. The last Decathlon I flew had the manual gauges where the wing meets the roof but I swear that when I had a quick look in this aircraft the other day I did not see them. It's brand new with a glass cockpit so I'm not sure if this has anything to do with it but I shall have another look for them today. :)

[RENURPP]

Jeeez,
I would be extremely careful using some one elses dipstick in my aircraft, in fact I wouldn't even consider doing it. I also wouldn't be offering measurements out.
It would take a couple of hrs max to make an aircraft specific one, offer a hand and stay safe.

[FL170]

Why don't you just fill the tanks to full and calculate your endurance based on these figures? At least this way your 100% certain of how much fuel you have and you can calculate your endurance based on your usable fuel in each tank. I wouldnt risk second guessing your quantities - I know with the 7GCBC you get all sorts of funny readings when both sides start dropping below 30L.

:ok:Cheers

[Trojan1981]

Decath with a glass cockpit? Ha! I would fill it to be safe or if you can't, at least put in a couple of hours worth.

[ops_guy]

We couldn't fill the tanks as we would have been over the MTOW in the Aerobatic category with two of us on board so that option was out of the picture. It turns out the fuel quantity is direct-reading and displayed on the glass panel. The fuel gauge calibration chart does not mention weather it is for the ground or S&L cruising attitude.

It's interesting because in the AFM for the EDM-930 it says that fuel quantity must be entered before departure in order to show an acuarte reading (calculated by the fuel flow) of fuel remaining. However, when we filled it up the gauges moved accordingly with the fuel we put in. Will have to try and have a word to engineers next time and see whether the gauges are calibrated for on the ground, in the air (which I'm thinking) or both.

Opso

[PyroTek]

Could you not start with empty tanks, (tail down)
and Fill it by 20 litre intervals (on the Bowser - or are they inaccurate?) and for each 20 litres, mark a line on the dipstick? (Even one for each wing tank to be totally sure?) - provided it is on flat ground.. use a bubble?:ok:

Pyro
(There is probably something that breaks some rule somewhere in this post, when is there not?)

[MakeItHappenCaptain]

The newer Super Decs have an Aspen Glass display and a separate JPI EDM 930 panel on the far left of the panel that will now present the fuel levels along with all other engine readouts. The wing root gauges no longer exist. Normally a fuel calibration card will be made if there is (I think) a more than 5% discrepancy from actual values to displayed amounts. Being a new aircraft, you'd think the gauges should be accurate.

My insert link ain't workin' so this is the actual installed unit:
J.P. Instruments (http://www.jpinstruments.com/edm_930.html)


Gerry's aircraft were so fitted (electronic instrumentation on steam flight instruments) as it was his demonstrator for when he had the American Champion dealership.:ok:

[RENURPP]

Djpil,
I can't see where any one recommended the "renter" drains the tanks?
I can see where I suggested offering to help. I have no idea whether this guy is hiring from a freind, a large flying school or Joe the farmer. In any case with the info provided at that point, some form of dipstick had to be better than another dipsticks numbers of unknown accuracy.

[LewC]

Roxy Chick 1989.Take a look at www.trade-a-plane.com.Then check under Single Engine Airplanes--Aviat Husky.There are two on offer with pictures showing wall to wall glass.These luxuries don't come cheap,$US270,000 and $US335,000.

[Capt Fathom]

When it comes to fuel in the tanks, do it yourself! Don't trust anyone else!

[CirrusSR22T]

http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b453/sunlandaviation/Sunland%20Aviation/VH-SIS6.jpghttp://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b453/sunlandaviation/Sunland%20Aviation/VH-SIS8.jpg

[j3pipercub]

Bwahahahahaha,

They spent GOD knows how much on glass and yet install a handheld GPS. Why bother with glass anyway? It's a VFR aircraft.

Paint looks rather average I reckon.

[MCKES]

Seem a bit jealous there J3. The Gps is there for reference and situational awareness only as it is VFR, so why wast money on a panel mount? you get pretty much the same info as with a 430 anyway. The paint looks great in person, and is very well finished. :ok:

[CirrusSR22T]

J3, VH SIS is the brand new ACA Demonstrator for Australia, hence it has nearly every available option. :ok:

[j3pipercub]

Jealous? What? I've got time in a Decathlon, wouldn't buy one though, overpriced in my opinion. Was just stating that I don't think the paint looks all that flash in those colors...

so why wast money on a panel mount?

Wonder how many aileron rolls/stall turns/spins it will take to dislodge and smack someone in the head... Plus if you've already got all that glass, why not a little bit extra and combine the comm with it, instead of having it below (read: Garmin 430).

If it was a little j3 in cub yellow, then I would definitely be jealous... But not for a Decathlon.

And Owen, I have yet to see a Decathlon with a '6 pack', but I see your point.

j3

[Capt Fathom]

the Aspen and the engine monitoring would cost far less than the 6 pack

And no spinning gyros to wear out during a life of aeros!