Flashcards on Aircraft Structural Design and Materials
Aircraft Structural Design and Materials: An Expert Guide
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Fuel & Power Systems — Fuel Systems
130 cards
Card 1
Question: What fuel system do single-engine light aircraft use when not relying on gravity alone?
Answer: A pressure-fed system where fuel is delivered by a pressure (mechanical or electrical) fuel pump.
Card 2
Question: In a single-engine pressure-fed system, through which components is fuel drawn from the tanks before reaching the carburettor?
Answer: Fuel is drawn through a tank selector and filter, then delivered to the carburettor.
Card 3
Question: How is engine priming achieved in a single-engine pressure-fed system?
Answer: By a priming pump that takes fuel from the filter housing and delivers it to the inlet manifold.
Card 4
Question: What monitoring and servicing features are included in single-engine pressure-fed fuel systems?
Answer: The fuel system is monitored for contents and pressure, and fuel drains allow water to be removed before flight.
Card 5
Question: Where are fuel tanks usually located in multi-engine aircraft?
Answer: Tanks are invariably integral tanks in the wings; many modern aircraft also have a centre tank in the centre section torque box.
Card 6
Question: What purpose can fuel tanks in the empennage (fin or stabilizer) serve?
Answer: They increase fuel capacity and can be used to affect the aircraft centre of gravity.
Card 7
Question: What is the purpose of the vent system in multi-engine aircraft fuel systems?
Answer: To equalize air pressure above the fuel with ambient pressure, introduce ram air to partially pressurize tanks, assist fuel flow, and reduce fuel boil
Card 8
Question: What minimum vent space is required in each fuel tank per CS-23 and CS-25?
Answer: 2% of the tank volume.
Card 9
Question: Why are filters (screens) used in aircraft fuel systems?
Answer: To prevent debris in the tank from being drawn into the booster pumps.
Card 10
Question: Why are booster pumps fitted (typically in pairs) in each tank of multi-engine aircraft?
Answer: To pump fuel from the tank to the engine, prevent cavitation of the engine-driven pump at high altitude, and provide low pressure high flow (20–40 psi