Aircraft Fuels and Systems Key Terms

Learn the language of aircraft fuels and fuel systems

By Cathy Salustri

Aircrafts, both jet and piston engine airplanes, all use different types of fuel in different fuel systems. Some of these fuel systems work in a manner similar to an automobile, but others function in a completely different manner.

Even if you have a basic or in-depth understanding of how a car's fuel system works, you may not quite understand all the facets of an airplane's fuel system. That may be because of the difference in the terminology used. For example, the aviation industry refers to gasoline for airplanes as AVGAS. By learning aircraft fuels and systems key terms, you'll know exactly what people in the industry mean when they use jargon.

AVGAS

AVGAS, or aviation gasoline, is leaded gasoline with a higher octane rating than car gas.
Try: CSG explains what AVGAS is and how it works. Its definition includes a bit of history about aviation gasoline.

Jet A-1 and Jet-A

Jet A-1 and Jet A fuels are jet fuels consisting primarily of kerosene. The main difference between the two is availability: Jet A-1 is not available in the United States, and Jet A is only available in the United States.
Try: Shell has good definitions of both these types of jet fuels, and its website also describes the differences between the two.

Jet B

Jet B fuel is similar to Jet A and Jet A-1, but with two main differences: it contains naptha, as well as kerosene, and it isn't as flammable.
Try: PetroValue defines Jet B in greater detail.

Preignition

Preignition occurs when the mixture of fuel and air ignites before it should.
Try: Sacramento Sky Ranch defines preignition and has photos of damage caused by preignition.

Detonation

Detonation occurs when the fuel and air mixture gets too hot too fast and explodes rather than burning smoothly. Detonation and preignition may cause each other.
Try: The EAA's glossary explains detonation in greater detail. You can also read about detonation at the website Experimental Aircraft Information.

Airframe and powerplant mechanic (A&P)

An airframe and powerplant mechanic, or A&P, is a mechanic certified by a Federal Aviation Administration-authorized examiner to work on airplane engines, known as the powerplant, and the airframe, or the body.
Try: The United States Department of Labor explains what an airframe and powerplant mechanic does in detail.