GrumpyOldGuy
Contributor
Three questions:
- Can you check a pressure guage for the pony during the dive?
- If you plan your dive and dive your plan in such a way that your main tank has enough air for you and your buddy should he go OOG, is your pony strictly for the case where you have an equipment failure?
- When you fly, are you required to remove the valve of your pony tank?
1) No, I used a button gauge. I check it before and after every dive. It has never lost air.
The 2nd is placed such that I would see a free flow. It might be possible for a slow leak to go unnoticed mid-dive. I know from actual testing and regular practice that I need 900lbs from my pony to make a safe 30FPM ascent from 75' with a 3 minute safety stop. I need about 1600-1700lbs from 100', which is my personal limit. This gives me adequate reserves for stress induced air consumption increase, but I am prepared to cut my safety stop short if needed.
2) Yes, I always follow rock bottom (enough air reserve for my buddy and I to ascend safely on my primary tank), even if I am solo my reserve is for 2 divers. Avoiding proper dive planning because you have a pony defeats the entire purpose.
3) Yes, always removed valve for the airlines, never an issue.