First Time for Everything

Any DA42 related topics.

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Colin
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First Time for Everything

Post by Colin »

My rule is a *little* less strict than Cary's. I believe he said he wouldn't let them fuel the plane unless he was standing there. Mine was: Wait until the correct truck pulls up.

Broke my rule since it was pouring rain and I figured they wouldn't do it until I returned. I won't break that rule again.
Colin Summers, PP Multi-Engine IFR, ~3,000hrs
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N972RD DA42 G1000 2.0 s/n 42.AC100 (sold!)
N971RD DA40 G1000 s/n 40.508 (traded)
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Chris
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Re: First Time for Everything

Post by Chris »

Yikes! I'm glad you figured it out before firing up the engines!
Chris
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jb642DA
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Re: First Time for Everything

Post by jb642DA »

Great "catch" Colin!! (Nice write up in your Blog too!!)
Looking!
1980 414A - N2691Y (sold)
DA62 - N100DA 62.078 (sold)
DA42TDi - N742SA 42.AC112 (sold)
jb642DA
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Re: First Time for Everything

Post by jb642DA »

After seeing Colin's write up, I started searching for something to add an extra layer of "protection" against fueling errors.

I try to stay at the plane until fuel truck arrives but sometimes I "gotta go"!!

I just ordered a couple of roles of this to keep in plane -
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/c ... pejeta.php

What do you think?
Looking!
1980 414A - N2691Y (sold)
DA62 - N100DA 62.078 (sold)
DA42TDi - N742SA 42.AC112 (sold)
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cptndavid
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Re: First Time for Everything

Post by cptndavid »

I think that is almost fool proof.
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Chris
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Re: First Time for Everything

Post by Chris »

cptndavid wrote:I think that is almost fool proof.
Low-tech solution for the win.
Chris
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jb642DA
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Re: First Time for Everything

Post by jb642DA »

I was thinking of getting some painters tape (the blue stuff) and writing "Jet A Only" with a magic marker!
This will look a lot better!
Looking!
1980 414A - N2691Y (sold)
DA62 - N100DA 62.078 (sold)
DA42TDi - N742SA 42.AC112 (sold)
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Colin
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Re: First Time for Everything

Post by Colin »

The placard was brand new. Impossible to miss (I would have thought). I won't order the tape because I would be tempted to use it. I'll stay by the plane. This is one of those: "low probability, high cost" sort of events that I was lucky on this one time. I won't test that rule again.

The FBO said they train the line personnel every six months, there's intensive training when they start, it's impossible to screw up, but they "had a few new guys on the crew." The FUEL card says to use JetA. It says JetA right next to the cap you are taking off. If you can ignore those things, you can surely ignore a little piece of tape you are peeling back to get at the cap.
Colin Summers, PP Multi-Engine IFR, ~3,000hrs
colin@mightycheese.com * send email rather than PM
http://www.flyingsummers.com
N972RD DA42 G1000 2.0 s/n 42.AC100 (sold!)
N971RD DA40 G1000 s/n 40.508 (traded)
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Chris
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Re: First Time for Everything

Post by Chris »

Colin wrote:It says JetA right next to the cap you are taking off. If you can ignore those things, you can surely ignore a little piece of tape you are peeling back to get at the cap.
I think there's a significant difference between not reading a placard next to the fuel cap and being forced to peel off a piece of tape. The latter disrupts the fueler's routine and forces them to think about it. Sure, it's still possible to screw up but much less likely IMHO.

Of course if every plane has a piece of tape over the cap, then it becomes routine again and won't help.
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Re: First Time for Everything

Post by jb642DA »

I don't plan to use the tape all the time. However, I've had a couple of times, after landing, when I've "had to go". I'll use the tape before running to the FBO, just as insurance.
I agree with Colin's idea - I stay at the plane until the fuel guy arrives with the correct truck and then I brief him not to "blast" the fuel into the small outer 4 gallon tank! Recently, the guy didn't listen and about 1/2 gallon of Jet A "jumped out" and soaked his jacket arm and my wing! At lease he rounded down my fuel purchase!

I think of that "piece of tape" as a tool in my "risk management" toolbox - just one more item to "break the chain" before an accident. Mis-fueling is CERTAINLY a HUMAN FACTOR item and a RISK!

From one of the many FAA articles on risk management - "From a broader perspective, the phrase “human factors related” more aptly describes these accidents since it is usually not a single decision that leads to an accident, but a chain of events triggered by a number of factors. "

(It seems like every place I land, outside of the local airport, no one has seen a "Jet fueled" light twin!)
Looking!
1980 414A - N2691Y (sold)
DA62 - N100DA 62.078 (sold)
DA42TDi - N742SA 42.AC112 (sold)
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