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| CHAPTER 5. Information Systems
Initial Fuel Estimate Many fuel management functions lack a fuel quantity sensor. Without access to this raw data of fuel quantity, fuel management functions perform calculations using an initial fuel estimate that was provided by the pilot prior to departure. Figure 5-20 illustrates how an initial fuel estimate is given for one manufacturer’s fuel management unit.
It is important to make accurate estimates of initial fuel because the fuel management function uses this estimate in making predictions about fuel levels at future times during the flight. For example, if you overestimate the initial fuel by eight gallons and plan to land with seven gallons of reserve fuel, you could observe normal fuel indications from the fuel management system, yet experience fuel exhaustion before the end of the flight. The accuracy of the fuel calculations made by the fuel management function is only as good as the accuracy of the initial fuel estimate. You must know the capacity of the aircraft fuel tanks and amount of fuel required to fill the tanks to any measured intermediate capacity (e.g., “tabs”). When full fuel capacity is entered into the fuel management system, the tanks must be filled to the filler caps. For some aircraft, even a fraction of an inch of space between the filler cap and the fuel can mean that the tanks have been filled only to several gallons under maximum capacity. Objects can plug lines, preventing the fuel from flowing to the pickup point. Some aircraft have bladders and dividers in the fuel system. A bladder can move within the tank area and not actually hold the quantity of fuel specified. Always check to ensure that the fuel servicing total matches the quantity needed to fill the tank(s) to the specified level. Estimating Amount of Fuel on Board Since the fuel management function’s predictions are often based on the initial quantity entered, it is important to monitor the fuel gauges to ensure agreement with the fuel management function of the FMS as the flight progresses. It is always prudent to use the most conservative of these measures when estimating fuel on board. Predicting Fuel at a Later Point in the Flight A primary function of the fuel management function or system is to allow you to predict fuel remaining at a future time in the flight. The fuel management system uses a combination of the currently available fuel and the current rate of fuel consumption to arrive at the measures. Some units require the current or estimated fuel burn rate to be entered. Some units have optional sensors for fuel flow and/ or quantity. Be absolutely sure of what equipment is installed in your specific aircraft and how to use it. Since the rate of fuel consumption instantly changes when power or mixture is adjusted, (usually with altitude) the fuel management function or system should continually update its predictions. It is common for the fuel management system to calculate fuel remaining at the arrival of the active waypoint, and the last waypoint in the route programmed into the FMS/RNAV. These measures are shown on the MFD in Figure 5-21.
When no route is programmed into the FMS/RNAV, the fuel management function may not display information due to lack of data. |
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