Dear All,

I am currently flying a phoenix Topstar 60 (same as Flip3d). This is a 3D plane capable of hovering. I am getting there with regards to the hover but not quite pro yet.

One problem I am having with the plane is that in every flight when hovering, after having hovered for a few minutes, the engine cuts off and I have to land dead-stick. Needless to say that I hover at a good height to allow myself time to recover. This happens in every flight and may be at approx same point with respect to fuel levels. Point is, on landing there is usually half a tank of fuel still left.

I am attaching pictures to this post that show my fuel tank installation. Note that the engine is installed inverted and the tank centreline sits at crank level i.e. above carb line (inverted engine means carb is below crank). So much so that when fueled and awaiting my turn, the engine usually floods. So I dont connect the line to my engine untill its my my turn to fly. To do this I have seperate lines connected to tank and carb and I join them outside the cowl by joining piece. Hence also fuel line is a bit but not very long.

What I want to know is am I missing out on something here? This is a OS75AX without pump. Prop is 13x8 Master Air screw. Is this config OK for hovering? I have already checked the system for leaks.

Please tell me what I could do to resolve the issue, since, if this goes on, I will very soon become an expert dead-stick lander

Ameya