Page 21 - May 2015 Volume 9, Number 5

I wish all King Air models had some low-fuel-level advisory system that is independent of the normal fuel quantity gauges. Only the 300-series – the 300 and the 350 models – have this desirable backup. In those models, there is an optical sensor that illuminates a Caution annunciator when approximately 300 pounds remain in the main tank system. For all the other King Air models, unfortunately, the quantity gauges are the only indication we have. If and when they are malfunctioning, we are left with confusion as to the actual state of FOB (Fuel Onboard).
Do you remember how to convert pounds of Jet-A into gallons in your head? Like 265 pounds is the same as 40 gallons. Just add half the fuel to itself and divide by ten, so 265 + 132.5 = 397.5 and 397.5 ÷ 10 = 39.75 which equals about 40 gallons. Of course, it is really unnecessary to use this degree of precision. Instead, using just
two significant digits is fine: 26 + 13=39(the26from265and13 from 132.5). For another example, are you burning 560 pph in cruise today? That is (56 + 28) 84 gph. KA
over 23,000 total hours with more than 15,000 in King Airs. For information on ordering his book, go to www.flightreview. net. Tom is actively mentoring the instructors at King Air Academy in Phoenix.
About the Author: King Air expert Tom Clements has been flying and instructing in King Airs for over 43 years, and is the author of “The King Air Book.” He is a Gold Seal CFI and has
If you have a question you’d like Tom to answer, please send it to Editor Kim Blonigen at kblonigen@ cox.net.
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MAY 2015
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 19