Having Aircraft Fuel Flow information presented to the pilot and also logged is essential to diagnosing a host of potential fuel related problems including incorrect fuel system adjustments, mixture distribution problems, dirty fuel nozzles, stuck carburettor floats, and so on.

According to ‘Aviation Consumer’, the best FF or aircraft fuel flow instrument on market is manufactured by J.P. Instruments – a California based Aircraft Instrumentation Manufacturer. While referring to the product i.e. Fuel Scan 450 and Fuel Scan 450 Twin (for single and twin engine aircraft), Aviation Consumer states “JPI’s FS-450 is our top choice because it has all the options you need for fuel management.”

Fuel Scan 450 and Fuel Scan 450 Twin by J.P. Instruments offers such information as Fuel Used (USD), Fuel remaining (REM), Hours and minutes remaining (H.M.), Fuel Required to Waypoint/ Destination (REQ) and Fuel Reserve (RES).

Fuel Used (USD) – The Fuel Scan 450 and Fuel Scan 450 Twin (single and twin engine versions) indicates how much fuel has been consumed since the last refuel. Obviously and similar to a trip meter, this number keeps climbing unless reset to zero. It can also display the fuel used on a long multi-fuel stop flight.

Fuel remaining (REM) – an extremely vital figure, the Fuel Scan 450 and Fuel Scan 450 Twin displays how much total fuel remains in the aircraft.

Hours and minutes remaining (H.M.): Identical to the REM but indicates the time instead of fuel quantity i.e. based on the current fuel use rate, the Fuel Scan 450 and Fuel Scan 450 Twin display the remaining flight endurance time.

The H.M. parameter is most meaningful especially during a cruise. As we know, during sea-level climb the fuel flow rate will be almost twice that of cruise and the endurance indication will be about half of actual. On the other hand, during a power reduction descent, the endurance will indicate more time than is actually available when flying at cruise power.

Fuel Required to Waypoint/ Destination (REQ): If the Fuel Scan 450 or Fuel Scan 450 Twin is connected to the onboard GPS system, it will display the quantum of fuel required to reach to the next waypoint or destination programmed the GPS. The figures are calculated in real-time based on the Slimline Pressure Gauge current rate of fuel consumption and current position.

Fuel Reserve (RES): A constantly changing figure. If the Fuel Scan 450 or Fuel Scan 450 Twin is connected to the GPS system, it will display the fuel reserve when the aircraft reaches the next waypoint. It indicates how much fuel reserve the pilot can expect when the aircraft reaches the next waypoint or destination programmed in the GPS. The figures are calculated in real-time based on the Aircraft Level Sensors current rate of fuel consumption and current position.

If thinking of upgrading your old fuel gauge opt for the best, opt for Fuel Scan 450 or Fuel Scan 450 Twin (single and twin engine versions).