Leaning Your Engine For Fuel Savings

MINIMIZE FUEL CONSUMPTION

Leaning the engine for best fuel economy during normal ground operations is sometimes overlooked. Using this procedure, taken out of the appropriate Cessna Model Pilot’s Operating Handbook, can save money by minimizing fuel consumption and maintenance costs by preventing spark plug fouling.

After starting the engine, set the throttle to 1200 RPM and lean the mixture for maximum RPM. After leaning, set the throttle to the appropriate RPM for ground operations. Leave the mixture at this setting until beginning the BEFORE TAKEOFF checklist. After the BEFORE TAKEOFF checklist is complete, lean the mixture again, as described, until you are ready to perform the TAKEOFF checklist. Make sure to follow the mixture setting defined in the take - off checklist for the airplane model.

From the recent issue of "Cessna Direct Approach - Propeller" e-mail news letter.