As a non-flyer I would like to ask if the practice of calculating the amount of fuel in an aircraft, where no visual check is available, by calculating the fuel burn since last 'fill' is widespread. The CAA report of this incident states that the aircraft was last filled 2 weeks previous and a total of fourteen flights had been made since then (including a trip to the engineers where they ground ran the motors).
Is it really common practice to rely on so many other peoples actions? I am a sailor and charter unknown yachts often, but will always check the echo sounder myself with a lead-line despite what anyone else tells me about it's calibration. (Echo sounders can be calibrated to water line or bottom of keel or may not be calibrated at all). Yet you guys seem to be happy if someone tells you that an aircraft you are about to take into the air has x gallons of fuel in it? What ever happened to the 'Runway behind you, altitude above you & air in the tanks' maxim?