How Do Fuel Measuring Indicators Work in an Aircraft?

Operating any vehicle safely, whether it be an automobile, ship, or aircraft, requires the constant monitoring of fuel levels. Airplanes, in particular, demand the most narrow tolerances with regard to operating conditions. How then can pilots have the most up-to-date information on current fuel levels? In this article, we will discuss the various fuel system indicators set in place today and how they help commercial and private aircraft operate safely.

The most important of the fuel system indicators are the quantity gauges. These devices relay real-time information to the pilot regarding the current quantity of fuel left in the tanks and assist them in route planning. The four broad categories of fuel quantity gauges are slight glass, mechanical, electrical, and electronic. While they all display similar information, the type of gauge used is determined by the plane's size and location of fuel tanks.

The slight glass gauge is the simplest and most commonly used gauge on smaller aircraft. This configuration consists of a glass tube placed into the fuel tank. As the fuel level decreases, the pressure of the fluid in the tank decreases simultaneously. While these gauges are easy to install and generally reliable, they are incompatible with aircraft where the fuel tanks are placed far from the cockpit.

Mechanical-type gauges use floats that lie in the fuel tank and respond immediately to a change in the fuel level. Such configurations are optimized for single-tank aircraft in which the tank is placed far from the cockpit. The electrical-type fuel gauge is slightly more complex to calibrate but has several added benefits. Its operation is similar to the mechanical-type gauge in that it uses a float to sense the fuel level but differs in that the information is transmitted electronically. As such, the distance is irrelevant to the gauge's proper function, and the system is compatible with multi-tank engines.

The final class of quantity gauges is the electronic type. Such devices utilize transmitters that are sensitive to the balance of fuel and air in the tank. Electronic-type gauges provide pilots with the weight of the fuel instead of the volume in gallons. This type of measurement is more accurate because the weight of the fuel varies in response to temperature changes.

In addition to fuel quantity gauges, most commercial multi engine aircraft are also equipped with a flowmeter. This system uses a transmitter that is installed at the engine's fuel inlet to show pilots the rate of fuel consumption per hour. Such information provides pilots with insights into the engine's performance and fuel efficiency.

Aircraft with carbureted engines contain an additional device, the fuel pressure gauge, which helps pilots determine the amount of fuel entering the carburetor. These devices allow pilots to make informed decisions regarding the richness of the fuel-air ratio in the carburetor, which is especially helpful during takeoff and landing when the engine typically requires a richer mixture.

The FAA mandates that every normal, utility, and commuter category aircraft is equipped with an operable and calibrated fuel indicator system during operation. As such, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the fuel-system inspection process. For example, in a slight glass system, one must ensure that there are no cracks or leaks in the tube and other connection points. In mechanical-type gauge systems, the operator should confirm that the float arm is freely moveable and free of any debris that could way it down. Finally, for electronic and electrical-type gauge configurations, one should inspect all electrical connections to check for corrosion and tightness.

An additional concern for multi engine aircraft is the possibility of one fuel tank becoming completely exhausted before the pilot can switch the selector valve to another position. As a safeguard against such an occurrence, nearly every multi engine airplane is equipped with a pressure warning signal, which gives pilots ample time to swap tanks as needed. Operators should inspect these systems with equal regularity, checking for battery life, electrical contacts, and general functionality as fuel is added to the tank.

When looking to purchase or replace a fuel indicator system, one should first determine which design is compatible with their aircraft type. Also, as technology has advanced and the demand for more accurate fuel indication systems has increased, many companies have begun to design their indicators with retrofit capability. Whether you are looking to acquire a new fuel indicator system or replace an old one, Aviation Sphere is your number -one source.

Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, Aviation Sphere gives customers direct access to an inventory of over 2 billion new, obsolete, and hard-to-find parts for the aerospace industry. With a robust quality assurance program and a dedicated team of industry experts, we treat customers to a seamless purchasing process every time. Additionally, we operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accreditation and are one of the only independent distributors with a NO CHINA Sourcing policy, meaning customers can depend on the quality of our offerings. Browse our vast inventory today and request a quote at any time using our Instant RFQ service.

1. bryan woods
2. Posted on January 19, 2022
aviation

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