Always wondered, would the presence of auxilary fuel tanks be any help in such a situation. A small additional tank containing perhaps 15 minutes fuel could be kept for use in a fuel shortage. The emergency fuel could be released into the main tank(s) if required and the pilot would then have a short amount of time to put it on the ground safely.
I seem to remember reading of a car (or possibly motorcycle) that had this facility a few years ago. Since lack of fuel in an aircraft is much more critical than it is on the road, I'm sure this is a possibility. Anyone know if this has ever been done?
Down sides: More complexity - an extra tank to check and fill before flight - more fuel lines etc. Also people (idiots) might start including the emergency fuel in calculations if the numbers were really tight.
Up side: Used with comon sense, makes it virtually impossible to "crash into a house" due lack of fuel I'd say.
Tell me to shut up if this is a stupid idea. Was just a thought.