Back in the dark old days we had the AAC newsletter, must have finished in early 80's or even late 70's.
In the early days of NI fuel capacity became a priority concern with Sioux, as it had a limmeted endurance and only 48 galls if memory serves me well.
Each Sioux had a calibrated dip stick. A wooden cross with a brass strip down the front, individually marked up by REME.
Many a good tale could be told of Rotors running refuels, dipping the tanks while keeping Head down to avoid the whirrling Stab bar. Fun and games, Onest.
There was the tale in the Newsletter from early-mid 70's, of a Booty cab transiting from Wallop to Plymouth with a Load of urgently needed spares.
Fuel on take off was reduced due to heavy load and on route the Observer questioned if they had enough fuel for trip. A couple of times they landed in a field and a quick check caried out, rotors running.
The Booty Obs was a big lad and persitted that they did not have enough fuel. Pilot pressed on untill of course the donkey went quite and a force landing took place.
Crew got out Pilot confirmed they whereout of fuel and Obs planted pilot.
Final comment from newsletter was,
Is your Observer Bigger then you?
john
The major details in above are correct, minor items may be at slight vairiance with historical fact.
Thats funny.
