FAA Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA)Fuel, Cabin and Ice Control SystemsEasy
A line technician needs to manually verify the fuel quantity in a large transport aircraft's wing tank because the capacitance-type indicating system is temporarily inoperative. Which device is inserted through a calibrated opening in the tank to physically measure fuel level?
- AFuel quantity compensator tube
- BFloat-type indicator arm
- CCapacitance probe
- DMagnetic drip stick
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Magnetic drip stick
A magnetic drip stick is inserted through a calibrated sump opening until a magnet on its end engages a float inside the tank; the reading on the graduated stick indicates fuel quantity in gallons or pounds, providing a manual backup to electronic fuel quantity systems.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The compensator tube corrects capacitance readings for fuel dielectric changes, not a manual dipstick.
- B. Float-type indicators are electromechanical, not hand-inserted sticks.
- C. A capacitance probe is part of the electronic system, not a manual backup tool.
Magnetic Drip Stick
A calibrated stick inserted through a tank sump opening that uses a magnetic float to physically indicate fuel quantity, serving as a manual backup to electronic fuel gauges.
- Inserted through a calibrated tank access point
- Magnet engages internal float at fuel surface
- Provides manual cross-check for capacitance systems
Memory trick: 'Drip stick dips down to find where the fuel sits.'