Aircraft Engine Fuel Metering Systems

For an aircraft to operate reliably in every phase of flight and in all expected environments, its fuel system must store and maintain a sufficient quantity of fuel and deliver it to the powerplant without interruption or contamination. The entire fuel system can be divided into three functional areas: storage, delivery, and distribution. The earliest … Read more

Aircraft Turbine Engine Fuel Control Maintenance

The field repair of the turbine engine fuel control is very limited. The only repairs permitted in the field are the replacement of the control and subsequent adjustments. These adjustments are limited to the idle rpm and the maximum speed adjustment, commonly called trimming the engine. Both adjustments are made in the normal range of … Read more

Carburetion Principles and Venturi Operation

Carburetors use the principles of airflow and pressure differential to meter fuel and deliver the proper air-fuel mixture to the engine. Understanding how the venturi, throttle valve, and fuel discharge system work together is essential to understanding carburetor operation. Venturi Principles The carburetor must measure the airflow through the induction system and use this measurement … Read more

Stromberg PS Carburetor Operation and Components

The Stromberg PS carburetor is a pressure-type fuel metering device used on reciprocating aircraft engines. It meters fuel according to engine airflow and uses pressure differentials within its regulating system to maintain the correct air-fuel mixture throughout the operating range. The PS series carburetor is a low-pressure, single-barrel, injection-type carburetor. The carburetor consists basically of … Read more

Aircraft Fuel System Inspection and Maintenance

Proper inspection and maintenance of aircraft fuel systems are essential for safe engine operation and reliable fuel delivery. Regular inspections help identify leaks, contamination, worn components, and other conditions that could affect fuel system performance. The inspection of a fuel system installation consists basically of an examination of the system for conformity to design requirements … Read more

Aircraft Carburetor Maintenance and Adjustments

Proper carburetor maintenance is essential for safe engine operation and reliable fuel metering. Maintenance procedures include carburetor removal and installation, control rigging, idle mixture adjustment, and idle speed adjustment. Carburetor Removal The removal procedures vary with both the type of carburetor concerned and the type of engine on which it is used. Always refer to … Read more

Pressure Injection Carburetors and Automatic Mixture Control

Pressure injection carburetors are fuel metering devices that use fuel pressure and airflow-induced pressure differentials to accurately meter fuel to reciprocating aircraft engines. Unlike float-type carburetors, they operate with a closed, pressurized fuel system, improving fuel distribution and reducing susceptibility to icing and fuel starvation during maneuvering. Pressure Injection Carburetors Pressure injection carburetors are distinctly … Read more

Gas Turbine Engine Fuel Systems and Fuel Controls

The fuel system is one of the more complex aspects of the gas turbine engine. It must be possible to increase or decrease the power at will to obtain the thrust required for any operating condition. In turbine-powered aircraft, this control is provided by varying the flow of fuel to the combustion chambers. However, some … Read more

Reciprocating Engine Fuel Metering and Mixture Control

Understanding how an aircraft reciprocating engine manages its fuel and air intake is essential for maximizing efficiency, ensuring safety, and preventing engine damage. Below, we break down the core operational principles of fuel metering systems, atmospheric impacts, and the science behind the ideal air-fuel mixture. Fuel Metering System Fundamentals Basic principles of operation are discussed … Read more

Aircraft Carburetor Types and Carburetor Icing

Aircraft reciprocating engines primarily use either float-type or pressure-type carburetors. Although both perform the same basic function of metering fuel and air, their design characteristics affect engine performance, icing susceptibility, and operational reliability. Carburetor Types There are two types of carburetor used on aircraft with reciprocating engines—the float-type and the pressure-type. Float-Type Carburetors The float-type … Read more