Fuel stick

badtransam97

badtransam97

Well-Known Member
Anyone happen to have the measurements to make a c150 fuel dipstick handy? Really don't want to spend 20$ on one and there isn't anyone here local that has one I can make a copy of. Thanks!
 
These are the measurements found on a popular name brand clear plastic dip stick, intended for the Cessna 150/152 - 13 gallon tanks (non-commuter). In my experience, these are conservative numbers, meaning there is more fuel than the sticks indicate (basically a day VFR reserve seems to be build in to the stick). I also do not believe the tanks are as linear as this stick suggests, again based on my own experience. However, the accuracy is for you to determine yourself... only use this as a guideline.

cessna-150-fuel-stick.jpg
 
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1. insert stick into filler neck on fuel tank
2. mark top of filler neck on stick with "F"
3. mark bottom of stick "E"
4. half way between "F" and "E" is "1/2"
 
Mike H said:
1. insert stick into filler neck on fuel tank
2. mark top of filler neck on stick with "F"
3. mark bottom of stick "E"
4. half way between "F" and "E" is "1/2"
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Only works if tanks are symmetrical from bottom to top, most aren't.


Sent from 1865 by telegraph....
 
Even if not fully empty, you can accurately create a stick by measuring current level, adding 2-5 gal at a time from the pump (depending on size of tank), stopping to mark stick at each interval until full, then simply work backward to mark levels from full.
 
rframe said:
Even if not fully empty, you can accurately create a stick by measuring current level, adding 2-5 gal at a time from the pump (depending on size of tank), stopping to mark stick at each interval until full, then simply work backward to mark levels from full.
Click to expand...
That's how I did it for our C-150 back in the day, although I used one gallon intervals. Took all of about 10 minutes. Initial marks were made on a paint stir stick, but transferred to something more substantial later on.
 
Obviously, be careful because there are always exceptions and your mileage may vary... but you'll notice that on most of the commercial capillary sticks, the gauging is pretty darned linear. (These sticks wouldn't be sold if they weren't pretty darned accurate. Too much liability). And that's because in most standard small A/C tanks it is pretty linear. In other words, for most standard small A/C tanks you can make your own stick easily as described by trafficinsight above. Again, use caution and verify. But when using any fuel stick you should err on the conservative side anyway, so you oughta be ok for rough estimates with a linear handmade stick. Use rfame's method if you want a really accurate stick. Make sure the plane is level in both bank and pitch dimensions when measuring.
 
Put a scale under each main gear with the aircraft empty.

Every 30 pound increase, mark 5 gallons on the dip stick...

God people, THIS IS SO EASY

Or alternatively, and much easier, taxi to your local cargo hubs weigh station and do the same.
 
I would be very cautious about the assumption that the C-150 and C-152 tanks can use the same measurements. The C-152 FuelHawk is easy to find:

http://shop.azpilotshop.com/FUEL-HAWK-DIP-STICK-for-Cessna-152-12-GAL-688.htm

... but you notice it doesn't say Cessna 150 / 152 on it.

I did once see a Cessna 150 fuel stick from another company. I held it next to a Cessna 152 stick and the markings were in fact in different places. Of course, you could get the generic model and start calibrating it yourself.

http://shop.azpilotshop.com/FUEL-HAWK-DIP-STICK-for-all-Planes-UNIVERSAL-XL-687.htm
 
IMO, with a 150 or 152 (or 172 for that matter) all you really need to know is if it's not full- in which case, fill it
 
Mike H said:
IMO, with a 150 or 152 (or 172 for that matter) all you really need to know is if it's not full- in which case, fill it
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That'd put me over max gross with several of my students. Not to mention it's not the best climber to begin with, so we dont need any extra weight :D
 
your only option then would be to drop a few lbs yourself. that's how I got to put another 1-1/2 gallons per side in the Citabria
 
Mike H said:
your only option then would be to drop a few lbs yourself. that's how I got to put another 1-1/2 gallons per side in the Citabria
Click to expand...

I raced Ironman at age 23 at 168 and was as lean as I get and even then I couldn't have legally flown with a 220lb student (of which I have 3 currently) and full tanks... now I'm 36 and dont race...so, yeah I still need a fuel stick, LOL ;)
 
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