arcticairalaska
Registered User
Fairbanks, Alaska
There is value to the fact that cubs have header tanks. There is function other than being able to get most of the fuel out of each tank.
If one flies where the potential for ice crystals in fuel exists. [Underground fuel tanks [warm fuel] and cold ambient temperatures -20's & -30's.]
As the fuel cools down in the wing tanks any entrained moisture will turn to crystals. The same principal as cloud formation. The front header tank is in the warmest part of the aircraft and should be your reserve fuel in most conditions. When the crystals begin to clog the screen in your gascolator and the engine starts to starve for fuel then switch to the left tank and look for a place to land and clear the screen of crystals. It takes a very small amount of ice crystals to clog a screen. I have seen screens completely stopped up after a three hour flight. I have seen one aircraft totaled due to this fuel stoppage.
Sandy
If one flies where the potential for ice crystals in fuel exists. [Underground fuel tanks [warm fuel] and cold ambient temperatures -20's & -30's.]
As the fuel cools down in the wing tanks any entrained moisture will turn to crystals. The same principal as cloud formation. The front header tank is in the warmest part of the aircraft and should be your reserve fuel in most conditions. When the crystals begin to clog the screen in your gascolator and the engine starts to starve for fuel then switch to the left tank and look for a place to land and clear the screen of crystals. It takes a very small amount of ice crystals to clog a screen. I have seen screens completely stopped up after a three hour flight. I have seen one aircraft totaled due to this fuel stoppage.
Sandy