[Milsurplus] "Radio operator" on HC-130P

[jcoward5452 at aol.com]

When in training for hot air balloon liscense we carried 3 tanks 
propane full on EVERY launch.(Barnes AX-7).We landed ALWAYS with one 
full tank(good for about 30 minutes in warm weather,40 in cold),just in 
case the landing had to be aborted.When landed and exchanging 
passengers for the next flight,the two tanks used were exchanged for 
two full tanks.No exceptions.In a hot air balloon you have to live with 
the imediate conditions  and make the appropriate command descision 
just like other aircraft;but you don't get to circle around,you have to 
find another suitable landing spot.When the day's flying was done the 
ground crew AND the PIC always fueled together, so there was no finger 
to point if a fuel problem ever came up.This was drilled into our 
brains:fuel management is the PIC's resposibility,end of story or the 
beginning of a fine relationship. Maybe all PIC's should supervise fuel 
load.
  On my last two trips by comercial carrier to the east coast, we had to 
divert to Hartford,Conn. to refuel and on the next trip we were delayed 
because we had too much fuel and had to off load fuel so we could get 
off the ground.
Never had to do that in my '61 VW!( which is getting about 30 mpg! and 
has a "reserve" fuel lever for another gallon).
 My $.02,
             Jay KE6PPF
Ed that is very true, but the monkey is on the A/C PIC's back PERIOD. 
 
Hank 
KN6DI/5 
 

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