Reducing Fuel Consumption Flashcards
Departure Control Systems
Planning for loading an aircraft to maximise payload but reducing fuel consumption
Optimise the C of G - improves profile of the aircraft if slightly tail down - reduces drag
Load is distributed
Total mass cannot be exceeded
Automated systems are more efficient
Fly higher, use less fuel
3 limits:
Basic weight of the aircraft
Operating or dry empty weight
Zero fuel weight
C of G changes as fuel is burned during a flight - aircraft weight decreases
Each aircraft is unique - different configurations, spec
Reducing aircraft weight
Less weight = less fuel burned Remove items from the plane Paint on the aircraft - use nanotechnology Lighter items on the aircraft Remove air stairs Reduce the amount of fuel loaded Remove unwanted fuel tanks
Biomimicry
Riblet Technology Lufthansa is testing this technology of paint More expensive and it wears off quicker Traditional paint = 7 years Riblet tech = 5 years
Fuel conservation
Crude oil price + $20 = cost per barrel of Jet A
Turn off APUs, switch to GPU
C of G backwards slightly = saves a bit of fuel
Additional fuel - pilots decide this however load planning computers are increasingly choosing the fuel
Skin pimples - not good = more drag
Engine washing
Buttoning all hatches - a 5mm surface mismatch in a door seal can result in an additional 9000 litres of fuel per year
Gates closer to runways
Single engine taxiing
Taxibots - Israel
Winglets
Tankering - may be cheaper to uplift more fuel at an airport with cheaper Jet A than to fly with minimum fuel
Case Study on Fuel Conservation - Qantas 2016
Aiming to save 1.5% per year from 2009 to 2020
Dedicated team to reduce fuel consumption and to increase efficiency
-Ditching life rafts on over-land flights - BBC, 2014
Case Study on Fuel Efficiency - IATA 2016
A voluntary goal for airlines to reduce fuel consumption by 25% by 2020 with 2005 levels
