What are the Different Aircraft Fuel System Components?


Aircraft fuel systems are complex and made up of many different components. While each aircraft may vary slightly in regard to individual parts, a few principal fuel systems are found on every plane. The size and demand of varying aircraft will determine the fuel system needed and the location of fuel tanks. Gravity feed systems and pump feed systems account for most fuel systems found on nearly every aircraft, ranging from personal to cargo planes.

The most straightforward method of delivering fuel in aircraft is the gravity feed system. This system is found in most smaller aircraft that have wings that are high up on the fuselage. In these high wing planes, there is typically one fuel tank per wing. Attached to each fuel tank are lines that connect the tanks to a device called a selector valve. This valve has four different positions which crew members can manipulate in the case of an emergency. Under normal operating conditions, the valve is set to allow fuel from both tanks to enter the engine evenly. If one or both engines fail, the valve can also toggle between left and right settings or completely shut off. After the fuel has gone through the selector valve, it will flow down by gravity to a filter, commonly referred to as a strainer. Even with frequent use and refilling of fuel tanks, it is common for fuel to collect debris and contaminants that could be harmful to the engine if reached. These filters typically contain large screens that trap debris while enabling a continuous amount of fuel to reach the engine. The last step in a gravity feed system is fuel being fed into either the primer or the carburetor. Fuel is fed into the primer during engine start procedures where it is vaporized and injected directly into the engine. If the engine is already started, the rest of the fuel from the tanks will go directly to the carburetor where it is mixed with air before it is combusted.

For multi-engine aircraft or low winged planes, the engine is either higher than the fuel tanks or in a different part of the aircraft altogether. Since these models cannot use gravity to feed the engines directly, a more complicated fuel system that relies on pumps is required. In these aircraft, fuel tanks are all connected and are found in both the aircraft fuselage and the wings. Fuel pumps can be found on the wings and increase fuel pressure and maintain a constant flow of fuel to the engines. Like gravity feed systems, the fuel travels through a filter which again removes any impurities. Another essential component unique to high altitude, multi-engine aircraft is a fuel-oil heat exchanger. Since the air temperature at 30,000ft can be as cold as 48°C, the temperature inside the tanks can get very close to the freezing point for the fuel. The fuel oil heat exchanger’s function is to heat this fuel as it passes through the device to avoid the possibility of fuel freezing and decreasing its density, which will increase fuel efficiency. One of the most crucial safety features of a pump feed system is the crossfeed valve. This cross-feed valve could turn off fuel to one engine if failing and can be used to donate pressurized fuel if the pumps were to go out.

While it may seem overwhelming to source the various parts of a fuel system, ASAP Aviation Unlimited has you covered. Search our collection of over 3 billion new and obsolete parts from trusted manufacturers. ASAP Aviation Unlimited has proven to be a premier parts supplier for the civil aviation, aerospace, and defense industries. Our team is always available and ready to help meet your unique needs with quick and competitive quotes. Contact us at +1-714-705-4780 or email sales@asapaviationunlimited.com today for prompt and professional customer service.


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