An Aviation Pro’s Guide to Accurate Fuel Testing

Checking the fuel level is only one of many pre-flight activities pilots conduct. We don’t simply check to make sure we have enough money and reserves for the trip. A professional pilot must examine the fuel as per ground instructions to ensure it is of the correct kind and is free of any pollutants. For this reason, having Aviation Fuel Testing is essential.

Pilots may refer to fuel tester as fuel summers or fuel checks, although the term fuel testers most often used by aviation institutions. Here is a detailed guide to competency checks:

Cold Conditions for the fuel

Fuel system icing is not limited to colder regions. Unwary pilots may have their fuel systems clogged due to subfreezing temperatures in the atmosphere, even at relatively mild latitudes. Remember that common ground water freezes around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, so any moisture in the fuel may now be solid and cause cabin pressure. In cold conditions, ice crystals may form and settle at the base of a fuel sample during an inspection.

Ice in the fuel line can be even more problematic than water. A fuel sensor can get clogged with ice crystals, and water in the fuel system may cause the fuel selection valve to overheat in one place. Even if you take a sample of fuel from a tank when the water has frozen in it, and everything seems alright, you may discover water in your bio-aviation fuel after the ice melts. Drain the tanks before the temperature drops below freezing if you anticipate a cold snap according to your commercial pilot certificate.

Mistaken Materials

Misfuelling a piston-engine aircraft with jet fuel is one of the sneakiest dangers in the aviation industry. An attentive eye on the fuelling process is essential for avoiding this kind of mishap. Furthermore, these checks by a professional pilot will protect you from being a victim of misfuelling. Try it out by touching it first. Spread a bit of petrol on your finger. You’ll feel instantly chilled when exposed to AVGAS because of the rapid evaporation. Less water is lost. Jet fuel leaves an oily residue and dissipates slowly.

Night Journeys

At night, a fuel sample may be examined by holding it up against a white background like the fuselage and lighting it from the side through performance criteria assessment. Fuel color may be more easily seen against a white background, and debris or pollutants can be more easily seen in the light cast from the side.

The Art of Detecting Impending Danger

An additional fuel quality metric is the smell. A fuel scent might indicate the existence of jet fuel; on the other hand, if you do not notice the typical odor of Avgas, the sample could be entirely water. If water has come into touch with Avgas, it may have a faint fuel odor, so take caution. Your fuel must smell strongly of Avgas for accurate flight instructions.

Rock and Roll

All fuel systems have drains installed at the lowest places of storage tanks and other plumbing. Pilots use them to drain the gasoline of any pollutants, like water or dirt, that may have settled to the bottom. However, do not let that success rate fool you. Some airplanes use rubber bladders to line the fuel tanks; any creases in these bladders will act as a catch basin for water, preventing it from draining into the sump.

Just as dew condenses on grass when humid air is confined, so may humid air in a partly filled tank condense on the tank’s walls. It is unlikely that this water will enter the gasoline lines until after the plane has taken off and experienced a few spins or bumps. Avoid this by sumping the tanks when the inspection is complete and rocking the wings slightly to start the preflight.

How to Avoid Facing the Issue

With more contact hours spent checking the fuel before departure, a professional pilot can prevent any problems and have a safe trip. It’s impossible to avoid fuel contamination entirely, but you can take measures to lessen the likelihood of it happening. First, ensure the fuel valves are in proper working order and change any seals that are damaged, brittle, or cracked at the airport.

Maintaining the tanks at a constant fullness is critical to prevent condensation from forming within the fuel tank during training sessions in humid weather. Finally, refueling should be done only at a respected FBO flight lab in accordance with the highest quality standards to avoid engine failure.