Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Sea; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 135; Flight Crew Total 2430; Flight Crew Type 195
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
While on base leg of traffic pattern engine stopped. Suspected fuel exhaustion. Purchased more than enough fuel for mission and had fuel in tanks when started. Aircraft either burned more than planned fuel or FBO did not pump the final amount ordered. Training took place over 2 days. Aircraft started with approximately 10-15 gallons. We purchased a total of 80 gallons over the 2 days and flew 7.8 on the Hobbs meter. Much of that was spent at idle and reduced power learning to taxi and handle the aircraft on the water. Flight time was much less and the aircraft has never burned more than 10 gallons per hour. I know this because I have purchased [20] gallons; flown for 2 hours and had more remaining than I started with.
PA-18 seaplane instructor pilot reported the engine quit in the traffic pattern because of suspected fuel exhaustion.