FAA Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP)Fuel, Induction and LubricationEasy
A mechanic is inspecting the integral fuel tanks of a transport category aircraft wing and notes internal baffle plates within the tank structure. What is the primary purpose of these baffles?
- ATo increase the total usable fuel capacity of the tank
- BTo prevent vapor lock by cooling the fuel during climb
- CTo reduce fuel surging and sloshing during aircraft maneuvers, helping maintain balance and reduce structural loads
- DTo filter water and sediment out of the fuel before it reaches the boost pumps
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. To reduce fuel surging and sloshing during aircraft maneuvers, helping maintain balance and reduce structural loads
Baffle plates within integral fuel tanks limit the free movement of fuel during maneuvers such as turns, climbs, and turbulence, reducing sloshing forces on the tank structure and helping maintain a more stable center of gravity.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Baffles do not increase capacity; they are structural dividers within the existing tank volume.
- B. Vapor lock prevention relates to fuel line design and boost pumps, not internal tank baffles.
- D. Water and sediment filtration is handled by fuel strainers and filters, not tank baffles.
Fuel Tank Baffles
Internal partitions within integral fuel tanks that restrict fuel movement, reducing sloshing and surge loads during aircraft maneuvers.
- Found in integral/wet wing fuel tanks
- Reduce fuel surge and sloshing
- Help maintain stable CG during maneuvers
- Reduce structural stress from moving fuel mass
Memory trick: Baffles are speed bumps that keep fuel from sloshing wild