Unknown Substance: A Reference to Fuel
In the world of aviation, fuel plays a crucial role. The main types of fuel used are aviation gasoline (avgas) for piston-engined aircraft, jet fuel (mainly kerosene-based) for turbine-engined aircraft, and emerging sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) as environmentally friendly alternatives.
Types of Aviation Fuel and Their Characteristics
Aviation Gasoline (Avgas)
Used in small piston (reciprocating) engines, avgas has a specific octane rating, which measures its ability to resist knocking or pre-ignition under compression. Higher octane avgas burns cooler and is used to prevent engine knocking and carburetor icing in air-cooled engines. Common grades include 100LL (low lead), with industry efforts underway to replace leaded avgas to reduce toxic emissions.
Jet Fuel (Kerosene-based)
Jet fuel is used for turbine engines — turbojets, turboprops, and turbofans. The most common types are Jet A and Jet A-1. Jet A-1 is a kerosene-type fuel with a minimum flashpoint of 38°C and a maximum freezing point of −47°C, suited for a wide range of temperatures at altitude. Jet fuels have high energy density but require careful handling because of flashpoint and freezing characteristics. Synthetic paraffinic kerosene (SPK)-based fuels are bio-derived alternatives intended to replace traditional kerosene jet fuel.
Aviation Biofuels (Sustainable Aviation Fuels - SAF)
Produced from biomass, waste, or synthetic sources, SAFs are intended to reduce carbon emissions by 20-98% relative to conventional fuels. They can be blended with traditional jet fuels and are being increasingly adopted to decarbonize medium- and long-haul flights. Growth in production is ongoing, with industry targets to scale SAF usage significantly by 2025.
Correct Refueling Practices for Safety, Economy, and Ecology
Preventing Misfuelling
Ensuring the correct fuel type is loaded according to the aircraft’s certification is critical to avoid engine damage or failure. This includes vigilance against misfuelling piston aircraft with automotive gasoline (mogas) or mixing different aviation fuels improperly.
Use of Advanced Fuel Systems
Modern airport fuel systems use automated controls, pressure monitoring, leak detection, and filtration to reduce contamination and spillage, improving safety and environmental protection.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Considerations
- Use higher-quality, appropriate fuel grades to optimize combustion and reduce excess fuel burn.
- Adopt sustainable aviation fuels when possible, which lower carbon emissions.
- Proper fuel handling minimizes evaporative losses and spillage, enhancing economic use and reducing environmental risks.
Summary Table
| Fuel Type | Use Case | Key Characteristics | Environmental Impact | |---------------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | Aviation Gasoline (Avgas) | Piston engines | High octane, leaded (100LL), vaporization to prevent icing | Lead emissions; lead-free alternatives are being developed | | Jet A / Jet A-1 | Turbine engines | Kerosene-based, high flash point, low freezing point | Mostly fossil-based; strong energy density | | Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) | Turbine engines (blended) | Biomass or synthetic-based kerosene substitutes | Substantially lower CO2 emissions (20-98% reduction) |
This comprehensive approach to fuel types and refueling ensures safer operation, cost-effectiveness through optimized combustion and reduced maintenance, and supports environmental sustainability in aviation. Modern instrumental presentations like "Glass Cockpit" type cabins (G.1000 and similar) provide excellent information for achieving optimal fuel management during flight.
During refueling, an earth connection is made to prevent sparks and potential hazards. Cigarettes, lighters, or any incandescent devices are strictly forbidden during refueling. The pilot is not allowed on board during refueling operations. If water or solid particles are present, the drainage operation should be repeated until only fuel is visible. Proper refueling in aviation begins with the calculation of the necessary fuel based on the destination and flight characteristics. After draining the aircraft, the drainage valves should be checked for watertightness and any contamination. When refueling, ensure the fuel type matches the aircraft's specifications as indicated by the manufacturer.
In atmospheric engines, the mixture adjustment should be impoverished from altitudes generally above 3,000ft. using the EGT indicator. In variable pitch aircraft, the propeller pitch should be adjusted for each phase of flight. Transporting unnecessary fuel is a waste that also pollutes and costs money. Proper management of fuel during flight is essential, including intelligent planning of ascent and descent (green approach). In aviation, there are different types of fuels used, including AvGas 80, 100, 100LL, AvGas UL91, unleaded automotive gasoline, Jet A1, and aviation diesel engines. Lead compounds in fuels are being abolished due to their carcinogenic capacity, and unleaded fuels like UL91, gasoline, and Jet A1 for diesel engines are becoming more common.
- In the intertwining spheres of our modern lifestyle, sustainable choices in travel and sports can significantly reduce carbon emissions. Choosing eco-friendly transportation methods, such as electric vehicles or hybrid cars, promotes less pollution during personal travel.
- As technology advances, integration of sports equipment that utilizes kerosene-based jet fuel alternatives or even sustainable aviation fuels can open up new possibilities for sports with a lower environmental impact, such as long-range drones or high-altitude balloons.
