It is surprising how many pilots don`t.

Grease,

 

Some of us have accurate, reliable systems that have been proven over and over.  A combination of accurate tank levels and fuel flow indications using modern (less than 15 year old technology) methods have worked just fine.  I will not stick my finger or a piece of wood in my tanks as that information would be useless if both came out dry.  Lancairs with header tanks should be placarded against takeoff with less than 8 gallons located therein and the pilot should be comfortable with that by whatever means the builder has provided (probe, sight gauge, float valve, finger, wood stick, lighted match, etc.).

 

With all my fancy gizmos, doodads, widgets and mysteries I still cross-check by fuel-pump meters or top-offs and time, as average consumption is a known (a throwback to Cessna's indeterminate fuel indications even when full, empty or anywhere in between).

 

Lorn has aroused my interest in locking fuel caps - the final protection against OPEC, BP and other fuel terrorists!

 

Grayhawk

 

And why have you passed up The Race this year?