Does the fuel gauge in the Schweizer 300c indicate the presence of unusable fuel?

The fuel gauge in the Schweizer 300C is designed to provide pilots with a reading of the usable fuel in the tank, which reflects the amount of fuel available for the operation of the helicopter. It specifically indicates the amount of fuel that can be consumed during flight and does not account for the unusable fuel, which is the fuel that cannot be drawn into the engine due to design limitations or positioning of fuel lines.

Unusable fuel is a critical consideration for pilots, as it represents fuel that remains in the tank but cannot be used for operation. This can occur due to various reasons related to the aircraft's design, including the positioning of the fuel pickups in the tank.

Because the fuel gauge does not represent unusable fuel and only indicates the usable fuel, it is essential for pilots to be aware of the amount of unusable fuel in order to make informed decisions regarding flight operations and fuel management. Understanding this distinction helps ensure proper fuel calculations and enhances safety in flight.