In my 14 or so years of bouncing around in the Aleutians in various small fixed wing, and helicopters UH1H, UH1M, Jet ranger, hiller (was the only one with gas engine), bulkow, hughes 500, just to name a few, I always made sure the pilot checked the fuel and filled up. I cranked the hand fuel pump many a times from 55 gal. barrels of Jet A.
Most of the the pilots were not aware that I was checking them. Of all the charters, rentals etc. I only had one young whippersnapper hot shot pilot from Hawaii who I found way too casual of a flyboy. One trip, and he was canned by me, and I told him to get his butt back to his island before he becomes a rescue subject along with his his fare/charter. Oh, I did have a short conversation with his company's chief pilot.
Only once did we get low on fuel,that was in a Hughes 500. The result of a navigation error by the pilot, relying on a magnetic compass. We were 30 miles off course. Fortunately I recognized the island we arrived at (not the intended one) after breaking out of the fog, flying 30' altitude over open ocean. The pilot and I were grateful that we filled the tank to the top, for what was to be a short VFR trip. We ended up getting back to base LZ 30 min. past VFR. With the fuel gauge bouncing on empty and engine shutting off 40 sec. after landing, out of fuel.
All along the final ride I was mindful that a helicopter even on floats assumes stable position #2 in a very rapid fashion, even if the water landing is successful. Which is unlikely in anything less than mirror smooth seas.
Got an attaboy from the pilot for superb navigating back home. The conversation over the intercom went something along the line of:
Me: man we are low on fuel, sure we can make it back?
Pilot: I'm lost, you do the navigating, I'll worry about the fuel.
Me: OK. heading 275 magnetic to Sadler's mistake (another long story). then 295 to LZ. distance about 40 Nautical Miles.
Pilot: Hmm Ok. I'll optimize fuel flow versus speed, and remain flying.
I guess if a pilot relies on the ground crew and normally carries several hours of extra fuel, (s)he can get a bit casual.
Wonder how they pass their check rides. Anyone read Deakin's discussions on AvWeb?