Chapter 18 - The Fuel System Flashcards
Where in the aircraft are the fuel tanks normally located?
In the wings
What is a drain/drain valve?
A device fitted to inspect fuel
Where is the drain/drain valve normally fitted?
At the lowest point of the fuel tank
Why would we want to inspect the fuel before a flight?
To check for impurities (such as water) which gather at the bottom of the tank as they’re normally heavier/denser than the fuel
What are fuel tak baffles?
Partitions in the fuel tank to prevent the fuel moving around too much (surging)
What is a fuel injection system?
A system which injects fuel directly into the cylinders of a piston engine
What does a fuel injection system replace?
A carburettor
What is more expensive, a carburettor or a fuel injection system?
A fuel injection system (also more complex)
What is the function of a fuel tank vent?
To prevent the pressure inside the tank from building up too much
For high wing aircraft, how is fuel normally fed from the tanks to the engine?
Gravity
What are the most common causes of an engine failure?
Fuel related problems or carburettor icing
How trustworthy are fuel guages?
Not very, the level of the fuel should always be checked visually before flight
When should a pilot do a fuel drain check?
At least before the first flight of the day, and before every flight if possible
