On 11/19/2021 11:26 PM, John Gotschall wrote:
I think I noted no header tank, don't recall saying single pump. However
if you follow the instructions you will be running a single pump. There is
an electric additional pump (backup?) for use only during approaches and
takeoffs. Might be useful in an emergency.
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John Gotschall wrote:
BTW my current factory built airplane has no header, will quit upon pump
fail and without warning. Somehow that's ok with the FAA.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
John,
Several issues to address here. First, the FAA does care and that's why you have that
electric fuel pump to back up the engine driven pump. When you say "might be useful
in an emergency", well, that's what it's there for. The reason you turn it on for
T.O. and climb and letdown and landing is to eliminate your second, third, forth, and
fifth level concerns on engine restart close to the ground with no time to recover.
There are several different modes of engine failure. Slow / gradual loss of
power, runs rough and eventually quits, sudden stoppage. Sudden stoppage,
without catastrophic engine failure is probably lack of fuel like the two times
at altitude I shut my fuel off instead of switching tanks. Your first action
(within 5 seconds) should be to turn on the electric fuel pump, then check
tanks, carb heat, and on down the list. With luck the engine will be
windmilling and with all engine controls still set for cruise the engine will
probably come back to full power. I've got 800 hours on nothing but electric
pumps with backup electrical power. I never switch tanks or touch the fuel
valves below pattern altitude or even in the pattern. I select tank and both
pumps as the first step when I start my letdown from cruise.
I'd suggest you go up with an instructor and run some test to elevate your
confidence level in your airplane. You're lucky that with an amphibian you can
find a nice large lake somewhere and not have to worry about doing a spot
landing in case of total engine out. Climb to a safe altitude and shut off the
fuel. When the engine quits see what airspeed you need to keep the engine
windmilling. With the engine windmilling the addition of fuel ( turning on the
electric pump in case of engine driven pump failure) the engine should come
back to life. If not, start working on the next 5 or 6 levels of concern you
noted.
Given your current lack of confidence in an engine restart in flight I'd
suggest you pick an altitude above ground / water where you will have the
electric backup pump running and only turn it off above that altitude. That
will give you a set amount of time to restart the engine or pick a suitable
landing spot.
There is no 100% failure free system in any mechanical system, gravity or
otherwise. While gravity itself has a very low failure rate other parts of the
system are less reliable. Stack the odds in your favor as much as rationally
possible or find another activity with the thrill factor you're looking for.
Happy flying and Happy Thanksgiving to all...........
Larry Flesner
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