Aircraft Fuel Systems Flashcards
Aircraft fuel systems store, deliver, and manage the fuel that powers the engines. From simple gravity-fed systems in light aircraft to complex multi-tank pressure-fed systems in transports, understanding fuel system design, components, and troubleshooting is essential for airframe mechanics.
The FAA Airframe exam covers fuel types and grades, tank construction, pump types, fuel valves, venting systems, and fuel quantity indication. These flashcards focus on the components and concepts tested most frequently.
What You Need to Know
- Avgas grades: 80 (red), 100 (green), 100LL (blue), 115 (purple)
- Jet fuel: Jet A/A-1 (kerosene, straw-colored), Jet B (wide-cut, clear)
- Gravity feed: fuel flows by gravity (high-wing aircraft)
- Pressure feed: uses engine-driven or electric pumps (low-wing, multi-engine)
- Fuel pumps: engine-driven (primary), electric (auxiliary/backup)
- Fuel vents: prevent vacuum/pressure buildup as fuel is consumed or temperature changes
- Fuel selectors: allow pilot to choose tank; must prevent off/both positions
- Sumping: draining fuel from low points to check for water and contaminants
Why This Topic Appears on FAA Exams
Fuel system failures can cause engine stoppage, fires, and forced landings. Mechanics must understand fuel system operation to inspect, troubleshoot, and repair these systems. The exam tests knowledge of fuel grades, component identification, and system operation under various conditions.
Sample Flashcards
Tap any card to reveal the answer. These are just a sample — the full deck is available inside the study platform.
What color is 100LL aviation gasoline?
What is the difference between gravity feed and pressure feed fuel systems?
What is the purpose of fuel tank vents?
Why is fuel sumping important?
Study Tips
Memorize fuel grades by color: 100LL is blue, 100 is green, 80 is red. Remember that jet fuel is straw-colored or clear. Focus on the difference between gravity-fed and pressure-fed systems and when each is used. Know the purpose of fuel vents (they must be clear for proper system operation) and the importance of sumping.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The main grades are: 80 (red, low octane for low-compression engines), 100LL (blue, low lead, most common), 100 (green, high lead), and 115 (purple, very high octane for high-performance engines). 100LL is the standard avgas used in most piston aircraft today.
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