User Guide

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In the center of the fuel panel is a single lever controlling
fuel crossfeed. This is provided for emergency use if an engine
fails, crossfeed can be used to let the remaining engine utilize fuel
from the failed-engine side. For example, if the right engine has
failed and you want to use fuel from that side, begin by turning on
both emergency fuel pumps (we’ll cover them in more detail
when we’re flying). Next, select the tank you wish to use on the
failed-engine side. Now, open the crossfeed valve; then, holding
your breath, turn the fuel selector for the operating engine to OFF.
When you’ve verified that the engine continues to run, turn the
operating engine’s emergency pump OFF. Oh, yeah - you can
exhale now. The boost and emergency pumps on the failed-
engine side are handling the load of transferring fuel across the
airplane. To resume normal operation, reverse the sequence.
There are also a couple of red tabs, one for each engine, at
the front of the fuel selector panel. These are the firewall shutoff
valves; normally, you’d only pull them after an actual engine fail-
ure or in case of fire.
Now let’s look up above the windshield. Wow! Even more
switches than in the Mirage, and a few dials besides! Actually, two
of those dials - the left and right fuel gauges - represent one of
Piper’s few design errors in the Chieftain. Four tanks, two gauges:
how does that work? It’s simple - each gauge indicates the quan-
tity in the tank currently selected on the fuel controls at the bot-
tom of the console. It’s a logical system - but if you’re getting near
the end of the outboard tanks before switching back to the
inboards, the prominent location of the gauges can lead to a bit of
that old “OhMyGawd, we’re outta gas, we’re all gonna die!”
paranoia among the passengers that can’t help noticing them
pointing at “E”…
The other dial is the ammeter, for the electrical system. The
bottom row of switches includes the left and right magnetos for
each engine, with the starter between them, and the left and right
emergency fuel pump switches. The top row includes all the light-
ing, ice protection systems, etc.
That’s about it except for the battery and alternator master
switches, cleverly hidden down by your left knee at the bottom
of the left-side circuit breaker panel. Just behind them, the two
big handles that look like old-fashioned light switches are the cir-
cuit breakers for the left and right alternators.
Flight Instruction
Flight Instruction
Navajo Floor Panel
Auto Pilot Controls
Elevator Trim Knob
Elevator Trim
Indicator
Crossfeed Control
Fuel Shutoff (Left)
Fuel Selector (Left)
Fuel Shutoff (Right)
Fuel Selector (Right)
Cowl Flap Control
Aileron Trim Knob
Aileron Trim
Indicator
Master Switch
Alt/Batt
Emergency Bus Power
Navajo Pilot Side Panel
Rudder Trim Knob