John Nicoll

Interesting numbers as I find slightly more fuel used with mogas so work on 30 l/ph. It is not just the fuel as I double check the numbers in my head if I deviate.1 ltr = 2 minutes

1 minute = 2 miles

 

Rough but allows me to look it over quickly to check for an error.

I use a flight burn of 25lt/hr. (Tacho - so start up to shut down) I average better then that but always on the safe side using it. My wing root gauges are surprisingly accurate - check them each fill and find when added together the result is roughly 12ltrs less then actual. I wouldn't trust them for flight planning but to date they have been consistent (to my surprise).

I also plan on 25 litres/hr but consumption is around 21-22 l/ph.

I wouldn't do anything but make my own. Level the plane and from empty keep adding measured amounts, accurately or alternatively from full remove known amounts and mark the corresponding level(s) on the stick.Jabiru wings are long and shallow. The only time you really know is when full or empty. Your aeroplanes normal usage rate should be used for planning or the POH (Not if it is less) figure.. Most fuel gauges are not accurate and should not be trusted especially on their own unless a sight tube (and still rock the plane).

You can't be TOO careful with fuel matters. Even the best engines need it. Nev

Thank you, Frank , a fuel log & comparison with fuel gauges appears to be the best solution ( this is what I have been doing to date). I think that I was going for an "over kill"!

I agree with frank, a slight lean, that may not be detectable to an average human, will make a significant difference. I try to simply fill to the top every time I fill (MTOW allowing), if flying 1 up, and most of us do for the majority of our hours, then MTOW isn't generally an issue. The same long and thin tanks are why flying slightly ball of center can lead to an unbalanced (or at least an appearance of unbalanced) fuel usage.I think a dipping stick will only be useful if your close to MTOW and need a partial fuel load and are prepared to also have a spirit level with you as well

 

Andy

Thank you for your reply.I have asked Jabiru in the past but with the advent of increased ramp checks will try them again.

Cheers

 

John N

The thing to keep in mind is because the tanks are long and relatively thin - unless the aircraft is perfectly level the information you obtain can be misleading - the reason why I haven't made one ( safer to use a fuel log and compare with fuel guages)

HIWhy not make your own it's not hard just drain your tanks and get a bit of wood 25/5mm or so and tape a bit of clear tube to the side make sure that the bottom of the tube is level with the bottom of the stick and the top is the same there add the first 10 lts dip and hold the stick in for a few seconds place your finger over the tube and pull out, fuel will be in the tube at the level it's in the tank mark the stick and repeat again at 5 or 10 ltr intervals .And now you have your dipstick it does not take long.

Cheers Rory

I will adopt your recommendation.

Cheers

John N,

Have you tried Jabiru, if they don't have them they may know a supplier.Alan.

I have asked Jabiru in the past but with the advent of increased ramp checks will try them again.

Cheers

John N

Does anyone know where I can buy a dipstick measure for Jabiru 230D fuel tanks or if such an item exists?

Any assistance will be much appreciated!

Jabiru have Booster Seats avaialble which are foam with covering to match the upholstery of your seats.

They are comfortable (3 to 4 hour trips quite ok) and are great for those who are not so tall.

Made to your colour requirements, delivery is about 2 weeks.

Thanks Frank for your welcome.

John

Hi,

My name is John Nicoll and I have come back to flying after 28 years.

After a Real Estate career of some 40 years and subsequent retirement I thought that I would learn to fly again (I previously held a PPL) and became interested in Recreational Flying and Jabirus.I now have 225 hours up and purchased a new Jabiru 230D last September and our new hangar is only days from completion.My wife, Judie, and I are planning a trip from our home base of Bathurst to Longreach in late May.

We just loved Natfly 2009 and thought that the sessions were great.

We are looking forward to meeting many of you through our involvement with RAA.

Happy Flying!