Fuel gauge/discovering clever design

[dickoreilly]

I confess that I just didn't get it the other day when Mark and others said that a mirror was a common way to check the fuel level.

I still didn't get it yesterday when I moved the rear seat back cover aside in the JT2 and began to calibrate the level of fuel in my tank in half gallon increments, starting with it full and siphoning out a pint at a time. (I couldn't find a quart or half-gallon graduated container to drain the fuel into. How come they make gas cans now that are so opaque that you can't see the fuel level in them even when holding them up in front of the sun?)

I had the plane resting on a level surface on its mains and tailwheel, just the way it is when I pour fuel in. But mindful of what Mark said about marking it in level flight attitude, I also propped the tail up to put the nose wheel on the ground and Eureka! It was suddenly obvious that the cut-out section of the rear bulkhead was strategically designed so that the front corner of the tank would be clearly visible with a mirror -- if the seat cover was removed. Well, that would reduce the weight a few ounces, which would be fine when I was doing a solo cross country, which is the only time I'd be worrying about having enough fuel to reach my next destination.

So now my tank is properly marked for accurate fuel level readings in both refueling attitude and level flight attitude. Next I have to find the right mirror and mounting location.

- Dick

[blaswichk]

But I tried the mirror thing in my Gull 2000, and because the tank sits directly behind the single seat, I couldn't seem to find a way to mount it where I could actually see the tank. I'm going to try the camera and monitor thing, otherwise a manditory stop after 1 1/2 hours.

kb

[sadowin]

I just carry a little mirror in my flight bag and take it out to check the fuel level whenever I need to. Never found a place to mount it where it wasn't in the way.

Mike

[fgayford]

Hi Kess
I really like the momitor idea especially now that the price is so reasonable.
I wonder if a number of cameras could be hooked up and you could switch between them.
Be a good way to record some awesome video from different angles, plus check your fuel level.
Fred

[rahulchoudhary73]

with a 2 o'clock twist, we can see what's at 6 o'clock, high and low
enough too. basic shotokan eye and flexibility exercises are
sufficient... what are we missing here?

needless to say, it is a privilege to be a part of such an August
gathering..... just busy covering some overdue groundwork and me fair
share of responsibilities these days.

warm regards,
rc