FAA Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP)Fuel, Induction and LubricationHard
A transport category aircraft's fuel tanks hold 450 gallons of usable Jet A fuel. Using the standard weight of 6.7 pounds per gallon for Jet A, what is the total weight of the usable fuel?
- A3,015 pounds
- B4,500 pounds
- C3,350 pounds
- D2,700 pounds
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 3,015 pounds
Total fuel weight = gallons × weight per gallon = 450 gal × 6.7 lb/gal = 3,015 pounds. This calculation is essential for weight and balance computations since Jet A is heavier per gallon than avgas.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This assumes 10 lb/gal, which is far too high for any aviation fuel.
- C. This value results from incorrectly using 7.44 lb/gal, closer to water's weight, not Jet A.
- D. This would result from using an incorrect factor of 6.0 lb/gal, not the standard 6.7 lb/gal for Jet A.
Jet A Fuel Weight
Jet A turbine fuel has a standard weight of approximately 6.7 pounds per U.S. gallon, used for weight and balance calculations.
- Jet A standard weight ≈ 6.7 lb/gal
- Avgas (100LL) standard weight ≈ 6.0 lb/gal
- Weight = gallons × lb/gal
- Fuel weight varies slightly with temperature
Memory trick: Jet fuel is heavier — 6.7, not 6.0 like avgas