Takeoff Starvation

When considering various portions of routine flight operations, it’s safe to say that landings comprise a majority of the time spent in training and practice. But takeoffs also pose risks; perhaps most important among them is that the airplane isn’t ready to fly. The reasons could involve something simple like a pitch trim setting or a door that isn’t properly latched. Ensuring these kinds of problems are resolved before adding takeoff power is one reason before-takeoff checklists were invented.

Key Takeaways:

• Pre-takeoff checklists are vital but often lack a specific warning against switching fuel tanks just before takeoff.
• Changing fuel tank selections prior to takeoff can inadvertently lead to engine fuel starvation during the high-consumption initial climb phase.
• A fatal Aerostar crash exemplified this risk, where the left engine failed due to being in crossfeed and drawing from a nearly empty tank.
• Pilots are advised to keep fuel selectors in their pre-flight run-up position until the aircraft is safely airborne to prevent fuel starvation.

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