Skycatcher fuel guage

[MrMorden]

I'm not critical of the Skycatcher as an airplane, everything I hear about their flying qualities is positive. Where I am critical, is in Cessna's decision to fit the 0-200D engine in it, which is over 50lbs heavier than a Rotax 912. This leaves the 162 with a useful load of less than 500lbs, which is just barely adequate for useful flying.

I am equally critical of the latest Flight Design CTLS models, particularly the CTLSi, for the same reason. Airframe bloat along with a heavy engine lowering the utility of the airplane. This would be much less of a problem if we were not up against a hard 1320lb limit.

[MovingOn]

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[deltazulu]

The C162 is a true paradox. Modern glass and advanced autopilot paired to 50+ year old engine ignition. Having to get used to no cylinder head temp or egt. Usually lean carburetor engines by ear but like the feedback. EGT is available but not installed on my C162.

[Flocker]

Just purchased skycatcher with aprox 400 hours. White floating ball on passenger side fuel gage sticks. It will stick anywhere from top to bottom of fuel level. Any other skycatcher pilots have this problem? If so is there a fix short of replacing the gage that you know of?

First of all - congrats! And yes I have experienced this with the one I rent. I'm not sure what they did to fix it. I'll see if I can find out...

I flew the 162 last night and noticed the ball sitting on the bottom of the tube with 3/4 fuel. I tapped the tube repeatedly with my finger and the ball floated to the top. Have you tried that?

[snaproll]

First - Congratulations on your purchase. The C162 is a sound airplane and the 0-200 a reliable power plant. Fly it and enjoy it... VR.. Don

[MrMorden]

I flew the 162 last night and noticed the ball sitting on the bottom of the tube with 3/4 fuel. I tapped the tube repeatedly with my finger and the ball floated to the top. Have you tried that?

That would work short term, but the gauge really needs to be fixed. I'd hate for somebody to glance at the gauge and see the ball at the half tank level and keep on flying when the ball is actually stuck at that level and the fuel is in reality at 1/8 or lower...

[drseti]

I'd hate for somebody to glance at the gauge and see the ball at the half tank level and keep on flying when the ball is actually stuck at that level and the fuel is in reality at 1/8 or lower...

True as that is, Andy, I can't overemphasize the importance of trusting no fuel gauge other than the one on your wrist. Visually check the tanks before takeoff, know your fuel burn rate and how long you've been flying, and instantly you know your fuel remaining. And BTW, fuel in the tanks should be measured in hours, not gallons.

[MrMorden]

I'd hate for somebody to glance at the gauge and see the ball at the half tank level and keep on flying when the ball is actually stuck at that level and the fuel is in reality at 1/8 or lower...

True as that is, Andy, I can't overemphasize the importance of trusting no fuel gauge other than the one on your wrist. Visually check the tanks before takeoff, know your fuel burn rate and how long you've been flying, and instantly you know your fuel remaining. And BTW, fuel in the tanks should be measured in hours, not gallons.

Agreed, but you still want your equipment to work, and be as correct as possible.

[CharlieTango]

True as that is, Andy, I can't overemphasize the importance of trusting no fuel gauge other than the one on your wrist...

I will agree except for sight tubes. If I can see more than 1 hour in each tube then I have more than 2 hours left. This is more reliable than my watch.

If I can see it on both sides then the fuel is there, If I can't see it I might have to confirm that it isn't sloshed outboard but if the fuel is inboard on both sides I can rely on what I see more than on what I calculate.

[Flocker]

I'm flying her again tomorrow. I'll report back on the position of the ball.

[MrMorden]

True as that is, Andy, I can't overemphasize the importance of trusting no fuel gauge other than the one on your wrist...

I will agree except for sight tubes. If I can see more than 1 hour in each tube then I have more than 2 hours left. This is more reliable than my watch.

If I can see it on both sides then the fuel is there, If I can't see it I might have to confirm that it isn't sloshed outboard but if the fuel is inboard on both sides I can rely on what I see more than on what I calculate.

A sight tube is also the only fuel instrumentation that will reliably show you if you are losing fuel due to a loose/missing gas cap or other leak.

[drseti]

Not the only one, Andy. The cork and wire gauge used on Cubs, Champs, and Ercoupes does the same.

[MovingOn]

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[snaproll]

I'd hate for somebody to glance at the gauge and see the ball at the half tank level and keep on flying when the ball is actually stuck at that level and the fuel is in reality at 1/8 or lower...

True as that is, Andy, I can't overemphasize the importance of trusting no fuel gauge other than the one on your wrist. Visually check the tanks before takeoff, know your fuel burn rate and how long you've been flying, and instantly you know your fuel remaining. And BTW, fuel in the tanks should be measured in hours, not gallons.

Have to agree with Paul.. I admit I am old school. The pilot in command should know exactly how much fuel is onboard and never rely on any fuel gauge. Moreover, the pilot should be able to safely fly with no instrumentation, no radios, no GPS, and know where he is based on sectional charts and landmarks. My old instructor was “really” old school and randomly cut power and said “find a place to land”. I was not allowed power until I touched the mains down, whether it be in an open field, dirt road, river bottom, etc. That preparation was valuable the first time I lost an engine. Being able to navigate, time your checkpoints, calculate ground speed, course corrections to compensate for drift, and estimate fuel burn and remaining fuel on board are basics any pilot should be able to do.

[MrMorden]

Not the only one, Andy. The cork and wire gauge used on Cubs, Champs, and Ercoupes does the same.

I will amend to say "sight gauge" instead of "sight tube."