Fuel System

Over the past five decades, avionics technology has advanced dramatically. These developments began with the introduction of the transistor and continued through rapid miniaturization, largely following the trend described by Moore’s Law, which predicts that memory capacity and computing performance double approximately every two years. Although this trend includes important limitations—such as the slower improvement … Read more

Commercial aircraft use an open vent system to connect the ullage space above the fuel in each tank to the outside atmosphere. Adequate fuel tank venting across the entire operational flight envelope is essential because it allows the fuel tanks to effectively breathe as the aircraft climbs and descends. Without this venting capability, large pressure … Read more

The Airbus A380-800, the world’s largest commercial passenger aircraft, is a double-deck, wide-body airliner with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of approximately 560 tons and a range of about 8,200 nautical miles. It entered commercial service with Singapore Airlines in October 2007, featuring a three-class cabin layout accommodating around 550 passengers. The A380-800 has a … Read more

Fuel Storage System Each fuel tank must be able to withstand, without failure, the loads encountered under likely operating conditions. Each tank must be isolated from personnel compartments and protected from hazards caused by excessive temperature variations. The fuel storage system must provide fuel for at least one-half hour of operation at maximum continuous power … Read more

All powered aircraft require fuel on board to operate the engine(s). A fuel system consisting of storage tanks, pumps, filters, valves, fuel lines, metering devices, and monitoring devices is designed and certified under strict Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) requirements. Each system must provide an uninterrupted flow of contaminant-free fuel regardless of … Read more

Fuel Tank Design and System Standards Each fuel tank must be able to withstand, without failure, the vibration, inertia, fluid, and structural loads to which it may be subjected in operation. Fuel tanks with flexible liners must demonstrate that the liner material is suitable for the particular application. The total usable capacity of any tank(s) … Read more

While each manufacturer designs its own fuel system, the basic fuel system requirements referenced in the Basic Fuel System Requirements section yield fuel systems of similar design and function in the field. The following sections present representative examples of fuel systems used in each class of aircraft discussed. Others are similar but not identical. Each … Read more

Each aircraft engine is designed to burn a certain fuel. Use only the fuel specified by the manufacturer. Mixing fuels is not permitted. There are two basic types of aviation fuel: reciprocating-engine fuel, commonly known as aviation gasoline (AVGAS), and turbine-engine fuel, commonly known as jet fuel or kerosene. Reciprocating Engine Fuel—AVGAS Reciprocating engines burn … Read more

Aircraft fuel systems use a variety of indicators and warning devices to provide the flight crew with information about fuel quantity, flow, pressure, temperature, and system status. These indications help ensure proper fuel management, efficient engine operation, and early detection of fuel system malfunctions. Depending on the aircraft and fuel system complexity, indicators may range … Read more

All aircraft fuel systems have filters and strainers to ensure that the fuel delivered to the engine(s) is free from contaminants. The first of these is located at the outlet of the fuel tank. A sump is used to encourage the collection of debris in the lowest part of the tank, which can then be … Read more