Fuel Contamination Quiz

Fuel contamination can lead to damage to fuel-system materials and engines

15 minutes per foot-depth for aviation gasoline and 60 minutes per foot-depth for turbine fuel

The potential sources of microbes found in unleaded fuels include the atmosphere and the storage tanks.

Microbes in unleaded fuels rapidly multiply and cause serious corrosion in tanks by living at the interface between the fuel and liquid water in the tank.

It is important to regularly drain the airplane's fuel sumps in order to remove all water from the system. If left undrained, the water accumulates and can pass through the fuel line to the engine, potentially causing the engine to stop operating.

On certain tail-wheel-type aircraft, raising the tail to a level-flight attitude may result in additional flow of water to the gascolator or main fuel strainer.

It may cause extensive damage to the engine.

If the proper grade of fuel is not available, it is sometimes permissible to use the next higher grade of fuel.

Aviation fuels are color coded to help prevent the fueling of aircraft with the wrong fuel.

Exhaust-valve erosion and spark-plug fouling have been attributed to the higher lead content in 100LL fuel.

Modifications are required for engines designed for 80-octane fuel to be able to continuously use 100LL fuel.

100LL fuel contains four times the lead of 80-octane fuel.

82-octane unleaded (82UL)

82UL does not contain some of the additives used in automobile gasoline.

It must be dyed purple if produced.

91-octane unleaded (91UL) and 94-octane unleaded (94UL)

91UL fuel specification

G100UL

The economic advantages and the fact that many 80-octane engines seem to run better on autogas than on either 80- or 100-octane avgas.

The FAA study found that autogas had no detrimental effects on low-compression engines.

Alcohols in autogas cause the fuel to be less resistant to vapor lock, retain water in suspension, and deteriorate rubber seals in the fuel system.

Diesel fuel contains lubricants that jet fuel tends to lack. Jet fuel has higher sulfur content compared to diesel fuel.

Aviation users of diesel engines must always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation regarding the approved use of jet and diesel fuel.

The Diamond DA42 operates with a diesel engine as its primary power source.

Jet A and Jet B

Jet A is a heavy kerosene with a higher flash point and lower freezing point, while Jet B is a blend of gasoline and kerosene fractions.

Water droplets can combine with the fuel at high altitudes to form a frozen substance known as gel, which can cause issues in the fuel system.

Anti-icing additives are substances added to fuel to prevent ice formation in the fuel system and engine components. They are used in turbine-engine-powered aircraft to ensure safe and efficient operations by preventing ice formation on critical parts, such as fuel filters and fuel nozzles.

Biocides are additives used in aircraft fuel to prevent the growth of microorganisms, commonly referred to as 'bugs.' They are developed by oil companies to address fuel icing problems and also provide protection against microbial contamination. Biocides help maintain the fuel's cleanliness and prevent clogging or damage to the fuel system.

Using unapproved additives in aircraft fuel can have negative consequences. They may not be compatible with the fuel or the materials in the fuel system, leading to corrosion or damage. Additionally, they can be harmful to other engine parts they come in contact with. To ensure safety and compliance, only additives approved by the manufacturer and the FAA should be used.

Synthetic aviation gasoline and synthetic jet fuel.

Existing fuel sources (coal, natural gas) and organic compounds (algae, plant-based ethanols, etc.).

A standard for synthetic turbine fuel has been released (D7566-11a), while a standard for synthetic aviation gasoline (ASTM D7719) has been approved but is still used as a test standard only.

The word FUEL and the minimum fuel grade or designation for the engines.

Tank vehicles should be conspicuously marked with lettering at least 12 inches tall, in a color in sharp contrast to that of the vehicle.

The hose lines should be marked by labels next to the nozzle and every 6 feet.

Aircraft structural damage may result

A simple rubber shower mat

They should be replaced and securely latched

The advantage of fueling most large transport-category aircraft from a single point is that a fuel hose can be connected at one point under the wing or fuselage to refuel the entire system.

The alternative method of fueling the tanks in one wing of an aircraft is to provide a fueling station under each wing so that all the tanks in one wing can be fueled from one station.

For most large transport-category aircraft, a fuel hose can be connected at one point under the wing or fuselage to refuel the entire system. Alternatively, a fueling station can be provided under each wing to fuel all the tanks in one wing from one station.

coupling the fuel-hose nozzle to the receptacle, opening the fueling shutoff valves, and pumping fuel into the tanks

by opening the fueling shutoff valves and allowing the fueling level-control valves to shut off the fuel flow

by using the preset indicators on the fueling control panel to show when the desired quantity of fuel has entered a particular tank and to automatically shut off the flow of fuel

Pound

Grain

Ton