Fuel loading and overnighters

Nigel H-J · Post by **Nigel H-J** » 26 Feb 2007, 19:55

Just two very easy questions.

On my first flight from Stanstead to Dublin and return I loaded the aircraft BAC1-11 with 90% fuel on the outer tanks leaving the centre one empty (this was just an insurance in case of go-arounds or other unforseen
eventualities) I knew that this amount was plenty for the trip and there would be around 35-40% of fuel remaining on my return. Is this fuel carried forward for the next pilot or should I calculate the usage before flying so that minimum fuel remains on return?

Secondly, it may be that some days I will fly out and probably not return until the next or following day (depending on the length of the flight) Is this a problem?

Thanks in advance.

Nigel.

DanKH · Post by **DanKH** » 26 Feb 2007, 20:24

Hi Nigel.

ad1. The amount left in the belly is there for the next pilot who grabs the aircraft. Normally the aircraft is "yours" until returned to it's hub, so the amount of fuel is indeed "your own". It is somewhat regarded as a "sin" to nick a aircraft away from it's hub. Usually there will also be a fellow pilot present at the specific airport.

ad2. No.

Nigel H-J · Post by **Nigel H-J** » 26 Feb 2007, 20:30

Thanks Dan didn't know whether there would be a penalty for the VA if I returned with too much fuel left on board.

As for an overnight stay that's great, means I can fly quite happily knowing that I am not keeping the a/c away from some-one.

Thanks Nigel.

Post by **DaveB** » 26 Feb 2007, 20:32

Nigel..

To add to Dan's post.. make sure you don't book the flight if you don't think you'll be able to fly it as once booked, it must be flown within 24hrs.

As for leaving the aircraft.. no, it really doesn't matter. However, if you leave the 1-11 at a 1-11 hub (and this doesn't have to be where you picked it up from), it could be picked up 'unwittingly' by another pilot.

With regard to fuel.. only take with you what you need for the flight, especially if it's only a short flight as otherwise.. you can find yourself in a situation like your first with the cost of fuel being greater than the income from pax/cargo. There is no way you can hope to make any sort of profit if you fill up regardless

You'll get the hang of it mate

ATB

DaveB :tab:

Nigel H-J · Post by **Nigel H-J** » 26 Feb 2007, 20:36

Thanks Dave, is there any fuel burn charts for destinations i.e. if for instance flying to Dublin and return from Stanstead a guide to how much fuel required that will leave sufficient for the return and for any delays for the 1-11 and Trident?

DanKH · Post by **DanKH** » 26 Feb 2007, 20:58

I would highly recommend a closer look at the stats page....there have been flown so many flights now that the fuel burns are quite accurate for each aircraft now.

Go into the sticky at the top and choose CBFS Statistics

select the earliest possible date on the first drop down
select Aircraft Summary in the first drop down of the table and hit Display.

A bit down you can see a table of all our current aircraft including their fuel consumptions.

Post by **MALTBY D** » 26 Feb 2007, 21:00

Hi Nigel

That's what I was about to say too...

You can get a decent guide for stuff like that from the CBFS stats.
See the 'Stats, stats and more stats' thread at the top of this forum section.
It gives links for 'CBFS Statistics' as well as 'CBFS Fleet Status' and the 'CBFS Route Enquiry'

Eg. using the CBFS Route Enquiry you could select EIDW Dublin, for the 1-11 400.
Click Display & it displays all the 1-11 400 flights from Dublin.
If anyone else has already flown that route it shows the average fuel flow & fuel burn (currently showing as 2501 kg).
I quite often use the stats to look up fuel loads, especially on domestic routes when I usually can't be bothered with FSNAV.
Just add a safety margin to whatever it says, works for me.

The CBFS Fleet Status lists all the aircraft by type, showing the current location, the last flight & pilot, also shows the bases for each aircraft.

There's a ton of info held on the stats & it goes right back to the start of CBFS in May 2006.
Have a play about with it, some of it may be useful to you.
And ask away if you need help.

DM

fighterpilot · Post by **fighterpilot** » 26 Feb 2007, 21:13

I have started studying the stats recently, certainly help with the fuel planning on some of the routes and the huge amount of information there is really helpful. Also helpful to plan which routes you coulf fly for a specific aircraft cutting out all the clutter of other aircraft/va's in flynet

Richard

DanKH · Post by **DanKH** » 26 Feb 2007, 21:14

Nigel..

To add to Dave's post.. If you HAVE booked a flight and you won't be able to fly it anyhow...the "only" thing that will happen is that the income from the flight will be deducted your personal income by autocancelling, no penalty for the Airline (at least not with the recent version of the client)

Speaking of the client...whenever there comes out a new version, take a break from FlyNet, for a day or two and THEN get the revised, revision of the revised version of the latest client......
you'll know what I mean when we get to the next...believe me.

Nigel H-J · Post by **Nigel H-J** » 27 Feb 2007, 13:22

Thanks guys, certainly a steep learning curve flying VA, have taken a look at the stats which will certainly go a long way in helping fuel management and planning.

Now just one thing, have noticed that many refer to fuel in kg (Ugh)!! used to working in pounds or even better - gallons - What is the method of conversion from pounds to kgs as I fink if I load in kgs I am either going to be too full or too near empty on my arrival!!

Is there any way that the stats can show fuel used in pounds?

Again, thanks for your patience.

Regards Nigel.