Fuel Calculation

[lcrane]

First, I figure out what my average cruise speed and average fuel burn for type of aircraft at a specific altitude. This can be found on the flight
report after you fly once with that aircraft. Different altitudes will have different cruise speed and fuel burns so keep track on a chart the
differences. Second, I calculate the distance from point A to point B and the time it takes to get there using my average cruise speed. Next, I add
one hour onto that time for my reserve. FAA only requires 45 mins but FSP is happy when I give it a little more fuel. (Actually, FAA requires
fuel from point a to point b to alternate airport plus 45 mins. But we're not flying for FAA. This is for fun) Finally, I calculate the fuel I'll
use given the time I calculated. I convert this to lbs and there you go. Why do this? Because weight is money and the less extra fuel you have the
more cargo you can take and the more money you can make. Extra weight will also slow the aircraft down a bit and if you're going to carry around
that extra weight you might as well make it earn it's keep.(aka. cargo) I'd recommend getting a flight computer from your local flight school or at
http://www.sportys.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?...&CATID=171. They cost about $12 and if you decide to take lessons for real, you'll
need one. I got mine in 2000 when I starting taking lessons and had it ever sense. It's portable and never needs to have batteries replaced. :D It's
like a circular slide rule if you've never seen one and I and other pilots here on the forum can show you how to use it if you need any help. When I
fly for real it gets more complicated then this simple method I showed you (I calculate fuel burn climb, fuel burn cruise, fuel burn descent and
time for each) but it'll get you real close to what you want.