Simviation Forums

As much as I love them, I hate them.  I was suppose to do a solo night flight in ONE.  Everything is going good until the runup.  The low fuel lights come flashing eratically.  I did a complete pre-flight.  I what I did is something that no pilot should think of in any similiar situation, I almost decided to fly regardless considering I did a full preflight and everything looked good.  I decided that would be a bad idea and taxied back.

The flight school gave me another Cessna 172 to fly, and right after leaving the ramp, its low fuel lights started flashing. So I ended up parking that one too.

Just want to remind current and future pilots :

IF ANYTHING AT ALL LOOKS OUT OF ORDER PARK IT!!

and dont spill 100LL fuel on your hands, it burns after about 30 minutes

WELL YOU CERTAINLY MADE THE RIGHT DECISION BY PARKING THE AIRCRAFT!!!!

It would seem odd at first about both aircraft low fuel warning lights would come on.

I would take it for granted you visibly checked the fuel in both tanks with a flashlight as part of your walk around.  I would also conclude that both tanks were full.

I would also conclude that you entered a snag into the aircraft log book on both aircraft noting times and outside air temperatures.

This snag report will enable the mechanics/technicians to trace the problem and even send a report to Cessna or ask for their assistance in tracking down the problem.

You doing what you did may prevent the loss of an aircraft and crew and you should feel good about that, I would also hope someone at your home airport passes your name on to Cessna.

Cheers....Happy Landings....Doug

yeah I did all that stuff, I hope the mechanics dont call me saying they cant find the problem ,

anyways, going back tonight, hopefully the plane I get doesnt fall apart....

Okay Meinas:

First of ALL:

The Mechanics/Technicians should call you or at least someone from the company that rents you the aircraft should contact you.

They need to know exactly the circumstances prior to and leading up to the flickering low fuel warningl light.

They need to know what happened prior to engine shut down.

Only you can give them that info.

I am giving you my opinion and my opinion only and this is with forty years in the saddle....FOLLOW UP ON THIS...IT WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER PILOT AS WELL AS GIVE YOU PEACE OF MIND.

IF YOU  Have any doubts to what you should do feel free to contact me on MSN...MY ADDRESS IS POSTED.

I hope you sign out a servicable aeroplane to-night.

Cheers...Have a realy good night flight...Doug

Flying Trucker, I did a full report on both aircraft, and one aircraft has been fixed already ,

just got back from tonight's flight, it was a blast

Meinas

That's GREAT!!!!!!!

So did you do a night cross country perhaps stopping at an airport or two for that late night snack.
Pilot's are known for searching out the best food stops LOL.

Well, glad your mechanics found the problem and that you had a great flight.  By the way do you ever do any fly-in breakfasts or flying poker runs?  They can be a lot of fun and it's easy to gain weight as well LOL as the visiting airfields usually put on a good spread.

Cheers...Happy Landings....Doug

I haven't gone to any fly-ins yet.  The flight school Im at is very strict of when and where their aircrafts are allowed to stop.  When I go home for summer, maybe I can rent a plane and take a friend or family member with me to a fly-in.  They do sound like fun though.

Meinas
Oh Yah.....Is there a flying club near your home that you can join for flying as well as social functions?

We run at least four dances a year,  we have several barbeques for visiting clubs plus several barbeques during our summer months for our own members.

We also set aside a week-end during June where we take handicap children for rides.

Another great thing is sharing the cost of trips be you single or married.  It's always nice to go with someone who shares your interests.

Meinas there is a lot of good times and fun ahead once you finish your course.

Wish you good luck.

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

I dont know of any clubs back home, but I haven't looked around for them yet, got my license in July and then went to college... I'll definitely ask around when I get back home.

That's good.

Most clubs if they own their own aircraft rent them to the members at a considerable discount.
ALSO
Most clubs have an agreement with the local training school to rent aircraft to the club members at a discounted rate.
Club members bring business to the school and the school usually participates with club functions.

It's a WIN/WIN situation usually.

Well it's minus 31 degrees here with ice fog so this lad in not even going out to start the car.  Maybe I can get my better half to do that LOL.

Cheers....Happy Landings.....Doug

I almost always solo in a C182R (much more fun than a 172) it is bigger, faster and far more responsive.