Check Fuel and Cap

I've never had water in my fuel. Many pilots refill their tanks after every flight to keep condensation from accumulating in the tanks, but 146 doesn't seem to develop water. Maybe it is the Arizona humidity. In any case, I pour the fuel back into the tank. If water were found I'd pour it into a special can the airport provides and keep getting samples until no water appeared in the sample cup. Rest assured I make sure that no water is in my tanks before I take off. I'd shake the wing pretty good and get several samples of "fuel only" samples if I were to find water in my tanks. I have a ladder in my hangar that allows me to get up to the top of the wing. You can just barely make out the fuel cap on the top of the wing in this photo. It's right straight above the ladder.

In case you are wondering what I do away from my hangar, I have a one pound step stool that I carry inside the airplane to check the fuel and cap above each tank

While I'm up there I check for fuel quantity and make a mental note. I'll need to know the fuel quantity to calculate the weight and balance. If I need fuel I call for a truck to refuel. Here is Bruce refueling 146. He was kind enough to allow me to publish this photo.

 

We'll take a look at the fuel cap and the fuel gauge I use on the right side of the airplane.