How wonderful and gutsy for Allen to share this story with us. We are all in your debt.
In my "backup" 337 website at
www.SkymasterUS.com the most important page is clearly the Fuel Management page. While it covers mostly 337's with separate auxiliary tanks (like Allen's), elements of it are applicable to ALL Skymasters, and it should be required reading for all Skymaster pilots.
I will share here what may be the most important practice that I use. I have one of those clear fuel dipsticks that you calibrate for your aircraft, so I know how much fuel I have by visually checking, including how much fuel I have when the dipstick is barely above zero (namely, when you can just see a tad of fuel under the opening). Well, my practice is that
I never take off unless I have visually checked that I have at least that much fuel, and that it's at least one hour more than what I'll need. Had Allen done that
on his last flight he would not have to write aqbout this.
We're glad you're safe.
Ernie