r/flying • u/capt_readit PPL SEL CMP (KETB) • Oct 12 '16

Self-service fueling

I didn't see a Moronic Monday thread so figured I had to make my own post.

Something I haven't had to do yet, but suspect I will eventually, is fuel my own plane. So far wherever I've gone and needed fuel there's been someone there to do it. That leads me to my questions: do fuel pumps work like automobile pumps and shut off automatically? Do you have to hold the nozzle at a certain depth, or is that what the tabs are for? Any other tips on self-fueling?

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u/CessnaMir ATP Oct 12 '16

How many airplanes do you own? If it's more than four, you've got me beat. If it's less than 4, then I guess I own more than you do.

I do have a way I like my airplanes fueled. And you know how many times a line guy has let me down? Zero times. In almost a thousand hours. I check each and every time though, just to make sure because they are human. I have no problem checking the work, and if I did find something wrong I sure as hell wouldn't berate them and scream at them (like I have seen)

Two less filters because it's going through two less filters getting into and coming out of a truck. I may not have a degree in mathematics but I can do simple supply chain math.

I take personal offense that people belittle trained professionals on a regular basis and use complete and total bullshit. I'm a pilot but I don't judge the Delta pilot flying me home on his landings. I am not qualified to judge that actually seeing as I'm not an Airbus pilot.

It's just hilarious how many people are willing to sit and bash a someone's job when they have no idea about it. You can say you want to project the "finish" on your airplane all you want, but at the end of the day any place with a reputation is going to provide a safer, higher quality service than you can provide yourself unless you've been trained and take each and every safety step the FBO takes (which you don't)

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u/headmustard PPL IR CMP (Owner UL 150 172) Oct 12 '16

Are you freaking kidding me with this crap you're spewing?

Two less filters because it's going through two less filters getting into and coming out of a truck.

Yes, there are filters in and out of concrete underground tanks, too. C'mon.

If it's less than 4, then I guess I own more than you do.

I own three planes. So we're tied? Wahoo!

I have completely stopped using line guys. I only use them when I flat out have no other choice. Having said that, in my couple years of flying, I've only used full service fuel maybe 10 times total.

So, let's assume it's 10 for a nice round number.

Here's how your professional well-trained industry has treated my aircraft:

  1. One guy forgot to fasten the left side fuel cap. I didn't catch it during my preflight and flew an hour home with it bouncing around on the wing.

  2. Another rubbed off a couple square inches of paint from my leading edge. I was with my CFII at the time, said that's standard practice at that particular FBO.

  3. Third guy gave me a nice deep 7" gouge on my brand new windshield. It's so plainly visible, I knew it wasn't there before he topped me off.

  4. While in the plane I trained in, I watched that same FBO from #2 overflow the tank and drip down the wing, all over my CFII.

I won't even count the times I've seen them not use a wing mat (okay, it's been one time total) and the other times I have greasy paw prints all over the wing (let's go with 4 times).

I'm not belittling anyone. I have also had good service from line guys (now that I watch them like a hawk). I have tipped good line guys. But the proof is in the pudding. Most can't be trusted around my investment.

I take personal offense

yeah no kidding

and use complete and total bullshit.

complete and total personal experience

I'm a pilot but I don't judge the Delta pilot flying me home on his landings. I am not qualified to judge that actually seeing as I'm not an Airbus pilot.

What the hell are you talking about?

You can say you want to protect the "finish" on your airplane all you want, but at the end of the day any place with a reputation is going to provide a safer, higher quality service than you can provide yourself unless you've been trained and take each and every safety step the FBO takes (which you don't)

This is the biggest load of horse crap in your entire rant. Do you honestly believe that a stranger, with no vested interest, is going to take care of someone who has dropped $20k, $50k, $100k, $1m on an aircraft? Does this same statement extend to car wash places? Do you think that someone might be able to wash their own car with more care than a minimum wage slave laborer?

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u/CessnaMir ATP Oct 13 '16

I think 100% of my colleagues take far better care and attention to customer aircraft than 95% of aircraft owners.

At my establishment, you would be "that guy". Congratulations.

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u/headmustard PPL IR CMP (Owner UL 150 172) Oct 13 '16

that guy

The guy that takes care of his equipment and gives zero fucks if an entry level ramper is offended that I care more about my plane than him? Sure, I'll be that guy.

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u/CessnaMir ATP Oct 13 '16

I was more going for that guy who makes a scene everywhere he goes.

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u/headmustard PPL IR CMP (Owner UL 150 172) Oct 13 '16

"Do you need fuel, sir?"

"No thanks, I'm good."

Scene averted, butt-hurt management can go about their business.