It just happens to be that the quantity of fuel in the system (tubing,=20 gascolator, valves, fuel pumps, etc) is approximately enough fuel to get=20 airborne and not sufficient altitude to return to the airport, any=20 runway. And if you were able to make a 180 degree turn, then you will be=20 landing down wind, using much more runway length. I have to admit, that=20 there were numerous times we fueled our plane, and didn't check the fuel=20 before departing, but we did check religiously before the first flight=20 of the day. But since our plane required a fairly long paved runway, our=20 normal fuel source was excellent quality with more than low volumes of=20 fuel pumped daily. That's much better than jerry cans and 55 gallon=20 drums during a rain storm. Our bigger concern was water leaking in by=20 the flush fuel tank caps and mud dabber wasps clogging the fuel vents,=20 but we had dual vents that were considerable distance apart. :) > As noted in a prior discussion here - I've seen a light aircraft > descend to a watery grave in Tairua harbour (injuries, no deaths) very > shortly after takeoff due to water in the fuel. Presumably they failed > to perform these checks, or to perform them well enough. Or maybe > Murphy was having an especially good day. > =20 --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .