Tank-switch reminders for Left or Right systems.
Fly a Cherokee, Archer, Bonanza, Mooney, Cirrus, or Van’s RV? SkyTimer keeps track of the tank you’re on, counts down to your next switch, and reminds you when it’s time.
Why one-tank-at-a-time systems need a plan
Most low-wing singles, and some high-wings, feed from one tank at a time: the selector is on Left or Right, never both. To keep the wings balanced and fuel available in each tank, pilots switch tanks on a schedule set by the POH and their own procedure. Forgetting a switch leaves one tank much lower than the other, and running a tank dry with fuel still in the other is a known cause of engine stoppages.
- The feeding tank is obvious. The drawing highlights the selected tank and its path to the engine; the other tank fades back.
- The next switch is always in view. The status bar counts down to your next reminder.
- Record a switch from the drawing. Tap the selector valve, or use the Switch Tanks button. Tap a tank to see its details.
Choose how you want to be reminded
- Timed switch. Switch every set number of minutes. These types start at 30.
- Smart Balance. Keep the tanks close to even, checked by time or fuel used.
- Fuel used. Switch after a set amount of fuel comes out of a tank.
- Tank level. Switch when a tank is down to the level you choose.
When it’s time, choose Switch Tanks, Snooze 5 minutes, or Ignore.
SkyTimer estimates fuel from your starting fuel, fuel flow, time, and the fuel system you configure. It doesn’t measure fuel. Use it alongside your fuel gauges and your POH, never instead of them.
Aircraft types that start with this setup
Choose one of these types in SkyTimer to start with typical tanks, fuel flow, and a timed switch reminder. Every value is marked TYPICAL until you check it against your POH and change any that differ.
- Aviat Husky
- Beechcraft Bonanza 35
- Beechcraft Bonanza A36
- Beechcraft Debonair / F33
- Cessna 190/195
- Cessna 206 Stationair
- Cessna 210 Centurion
- Cirrus SR20
- Cirrus SR22
- Cirrus SR22T
- Diamond DA40 Diamond Star
- Grumman AA-5A Cheetah
- Grumman AA-5B Tiger
- Kitfox Series 7 STi
- Kitfox Series 7 Super Sport
- Mooney M20C
- Mooney M20E Chaparral
- Mooney M20J 201
- Mooney M20K 231
- Mooney M20R Ovation
- Piper PA-18 Super Cub
- Piper PA-24 Comanche
- Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee
- Piper PA-28-150 Cherokee
- Piper PA-28-151 Warrior
- Piper PA-28-160 Cherokee
- Piper PA-28-161 Warrior
- Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee
- Piper PA-28-181 Archer
- Piper PA-28R Arrow
- Piper PA-28R-200 Arrow II
- Piper PA-28R-201 Arrow III
- Piper PA-32 Saratoga
- Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk
- Piper PA-46 Malibu
- RANS S-19
- Van’s RV-3
- Van’s RV-3A
- Van’s RV-3B
- Van’s RV-4
- Van’s RV-6
- Van’s RV-6A
- Van’s RV-7
- Van’s RV-7A
- Van’s RV-8
- Van’s RV-8A
- Van’s RV-9
- Van’s RV-9A
- Van’s RV-10
- Van’s RV-14
- Van’s RV-14A
- Zenith CH-601/650 Zodiac
Bonanza with tip tanks? See tip tanks.
Questions about switching tanks
Something else? Visit Support.
How often should I switch tanks?
Follow your POH and your own procedure. SkyTimer starts these types with a timed switch every 30 minutes, which you can change, or replace with Smart Balance, a fuel-used interval, or a tank level.
What is Smart Balance?
A reminder that keeps your left and right tanks close to even. It checks the estimated imbalance by time or by fuel used, and reminds you to switch when it’s time.
What happens if I ignore a reminder?
Ignore starts the interval again. Snooze brings the reminder back in 5 minutes. If a tank is estimated to be low or empty, SkyTimer warns you separately.
Will I get the reminder if SkyTimer isn’t on screen?
Yes. Reminders arrive as Time Sensitive notifications, which can come through even with a Focus on, and on Apple Watch. Tap the notification to open SkyTimer and choose an action.
More fuel system guides
Try it with your aircraft.
Download SkyTimer, choose your aircraft type, and check the typical values against your POH.