FAA Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA)Fuel, Cabin and Ice Control SystemsEasy
A technician is inspecting a transport-category wing in which the fuel tank is formed directly by the wing ribs, spars, and skin, sealed internally with a fuel-resistant sealant rather than using a separate bladder or rigid removable tank. This type of fuel tank is known as a(n):
- ABladder tank
- BRigid removable tank
- CAuxiliary drop tank
- DIntegral tank
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Integral tank
An integral fuel tank uses the wing structure itself (ribs, spars, skin) as the tank walls and is sealed with fuel-resistant sealant, giving maximum fuel volume with minimum added weight.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Bladder tanks are flexible synthetic-rubber tanks installed within a cavity, not formed by structure itself.
- B. Rigid removable tanks are self-supporting metal or composite tanks installed in a bay, not structural.
- C. Drop tanks are external, jettisonable tanks, not part of the wing structure.
Integral Fuel Tank
A fuel tank formed by sealing existing wing structure (ribs, spars, skin) rather than installing a separate tank, commonly called a 'wet wing.'
- Uses fuel-resistant sealant on structural joints
- Maximizes fuel volume with minimal added weight
- Common on transport-category wings
Memory trick: IRA-D: Integral, Rigid, Auxiliary(bladder), Drop