Question about fuel load.

[chris1060]

I know the fuel load in FS is not the greatest, but I was taking a flight yesterday with the 734 and I had about 20% fuel left when I started my descent. So my question is what is a good % for fuel left when you are approaching to land. Is 10% to much? Thanks for the info.

[aussiewannabe]

I'm sure someone will answer your question better, but big jets have a maximum landing weight with relationship with fuel, cargo and passengers:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_737_Classic (see specs)

I don't know about the 737, but some FS747s have a indicator that shows the weight of the AC as it burns fuel. In real life, jet pilots will dump fuel in order not to exceed the landing weight prior to landing.

[Zaphod]

In real life, jet pilots will dump fuel in order not to exceed the landing weight prior to landing.

Not very environmentally friendy :-?

Zaphod

[aussiewannabe]

Not very environmentally friendy :-?

I agree!

However, let me add that jet fuel tanks aren't filled to the brim. Pilots estimate the amount of fuel they need along with a 45 minute reserve. In the event of an emergency (ex. landing gear malfunction), jets generally fly around in patterns to burn off a lot of fuel before landing.

In normal situations, I don't know how often pilots dump fuel in order to meet the maximum landing weight of their AC.

[garymbuska]

Not very environmentally friendy :-?

I agree!

However, let me add that jet fuel tanks aren't filled to the brim. Pilots estimate the amount of fuel they need along with a 45 minute reserve. In the event of an emergency (ex. landing gear malfunction), jets generally fly around in patterns to burn off a lot of fuel before landing.

In normal situations, I don't know how often pilots dump fuel in order to meet the maximum landing weight of their AC.

The airlines have flight planners that do all of the fuel calculations so pilots usually do not have to worry about that. However they can ask the flight planner to increase the fuel load if he/she has a good reason.
And as for full tanks that depends upon the aircraft the weather both in route and at the destination and traffic all play a part of the equation.
When I was at KJAX we had a B727-200 that went to KDFW and if the weather went bad some where between here and there we would have to take off all cargo and fill every tank to max capacity. Some times we would even have to take off a few bags due to weight. One weight you never want to go over is MAX TAKE OFF WEIGHT.

[aussiewannabe]

 The airlines have flight planners that do all of the fuel calculations so pilots usually do not have to worry about that. However they can ask the flight planner to increase the fuel load if he/she has a good reason.

Thanks for clarifying that.

One weight you never want to go over is MAX TAKE OFF WEIGHT.

Agreed.

[Slotback]

Just make sure you're below MLOW (or MLW). 54.9 tons for the 737-400. Or about 120,100 pounds. You can use a fuel planner too to find out how much fuel you'd need for a specific route.

[beaky]

In real life, jet pilots will dump fuel in order not to exceed the landing weight prior to landing.

Not very environmentally friendy :-?

Zaphod

True, but it does come out as a vapor that gets dissipated a great deal.
And crashes- the possible outcome if fuel isn't dumped at such times- are extremely unfriendly to the environment!

[garymbuska]

Well one thing for sure if they do not dump the fuel it is a way to decrease the population
Look how many we can get rid of on the new Airbus  ;)

[mustang51]

Rottydaddy..Nice looking 140 you have there. Never flew a 140 but do have some time in a 195. Had at one time a 7AC Champ with skies on in the winter time. Had lots of fun with a friend who had a J3 with skies also. We would fly in formation and land on the frozen lakes here in Mn. Winter, best time to fly, if it's not to cold, lots of solid heavy air.