Fuel Question

[Jaypeedf 0]

Hi everyone, I new to the forum but not flight simming.  I just recently got back into it.  
Hoping someone shed some light on how private pilots fill up their fuel tanks if they fly to remote airports that do not provide fuel stations? Bush flying, desert flying, or even remote locations in the forests.

Is it through local ppl or private fuel companies or something else?

 Thank you

[charliearon 3,022]

I would tend to bet they are carrying gas cans with them.  What else can they do??  Welcome to the AVSIM forums!

[fppilot 4,360]

Your question seems to imply they need to add fuel at those airports.  Under most circumstances they will plan to take on enough fuel at their point of origin to get them to the destination, then from there to an appropriate airport for refueling, plus necessary reserve.  Loading heavy cans of fuel reduces lbs for lbs the amount of payload they can carry in terms of passengers, baggage, cargo, and gear, so why do that?

If it is something that a pilot or flying service does often they would add fuel capacity to the aircraft's fuel system, or choose an aircraft with the fuel/payload and landing/takeoff characteristics required.

Edited October 18, 2019 by fppilot

[charliearon 3,022]

I would agree with you, Frank, if the OP had said a "commercial" pilot carrying passengers, cargo, etc.  He did state "private" pilot doing bush or desert flying, probably using a small GA aircraft.  I would think a pilot flying to a destination with no refuel options, but needing fuel to fly somewhere else is nutz!

[Paul Deluca 164]

Years ago i read a story in Smithsonian Magazine regarding a pilot with a twin otter at a remote site, and couldn't get to the airport to refuel.He wound  up using stove oil/number 1  diesel fuel he had in reserve.It got him to the airport.Good story!!.

Edited October 18, 2019 by Paul Deluca

[jon b 2,046]

Some of my commercial training many years ago involved some bush flying in the outback of Australia.

There the flight school had pre located several barrels of fuel at various outback airstrips and there was a hand pump carried in the back of the aircraft (Cessna cutlass), we would then refuel from the barrels. It’s a two man job really, I can’t remember but i suspect I either had another guy with me or a friendly local had been contacted in advance.

i guess there must have been a code of honour that prevented the fuel from being stolen!

[Jaypeedf 0]

Thanks everyone for their input.  I was just curious since some locations, such as Newfoundland, seem to only have fueling stations at the larger airports.  Made me think what would happen if someone decided to do some jumping around from airport to Airport. Would they Always have to stop at a larger airport to fuel up?