Fuel Drains

[Jerry Mazza]

I have noticed on my preflights on my Twin Comanche that after sitting for several weeks, pulling up on the fuel drains is more difficult, as if they are sticking. After the first time, they then pull up normally . I have no leakage and wonder if this is a problem. Thanks, Jerry Mazza

[N3322G]

Jerry, others may chime in but we found during elder care episodes, the twin sat a lot - we'd go fly and all kinds of things were 'broken'. Lo and behold, fly a few more times and ta-da, they magically repair themselves.

Since overhauling both engines in 2005, I've tried very hard to fly every week. At the moment since husband is recovering from a second abdominal surgery in 6 months, He is trained observer who is not allowed to lift, push or pull anything over ten pounds. As hard as it is to leave him (can't get in and out of the plane), I still go fly for an hour .... and then he grades my landings - a real incentive to make them good. The net is as long as he is healthy enough to be alone, I go fly - keeps me and the engines etc. happy.