Switchology

About 1 hours into the return flight, I noticed I was switching fuel tanks more frequently than normal. The headwind I now had was payback for the tailwind on my arrival flight. From 12,000 feet msl down to 4000, the headwind was here to stay. I spent several minutes deciding if I had enough fuel. After going back and forth, I decided to play it safe and admit I didnt plan appropriately for the headwind. I located my new destination which was just 10 miles ahead. A sigh of relief came over me as I chose the safer option, stopping to refuel.

Editorial Staff

Thursday, March 22, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

An unexpected headwind critically impacted a pilot's fuel calculations, leading to a necessary diversion and highlighting the importance of admitting the need for "plan B" quickly.
During the diversion approach, critical communication and runway lighting failures were resolved by the pilot calmly re-briefing and realizing they had forgotten to "flip-flop" the radio frequency.
The experience underscores the importance of meticulous pre-flight planning, staying calm under pressure, and systematically reviewing procedures when issues arise to prevent more serious incidents.

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It was a great day to fly, with clear skies and a smooth, 45-knot tailwind for my trip to Buffalo. I landed and refueled for my return flight, planning to have an hour’s reserve at my destination.

About 1 hours into the return flight, I noticed I was switching fuel tanks more frequently than normal. The headwind I now had was payback for the tailwind on my arrival flight. From 12,000 feet msl down to 4000, the headwind was here to stay. I spent several minutes deciding if I had enough fuel. After going back and forth, I decided to play it safe and admit I didn’t plan appropriately for the headwind. I located my new destination which was just 10 miles ahead. A sigh of relief came over me as I chose the safer option, stopping to refuel.