The type of fuel used in an aeroplane depends on the type of engine it has. Modern commercial airliners predominantly use Jet-A, a refined kerosene-based fuel.
Jet Fuel: The Standard for Commercial Aviation
Jet fuel is the workhorse of modern aviation. Here's a breakdown:
- Composition: Jet-A is primarily composed of highly refined kerosene.
- Flash Point: Kerosene-based fuel has a much higher flash point than gasoline-based fuel. According to the provided reference, Jet-A burns at temperatures at or above 49 °C (120 °F). This higher flash point makes it safer to handle and use in the demanding environment of aviation.
- Safety: The high flash point reduces the risk of accidental ignition compared to gasoline.
- Usage: Predominantly used in commercial airliners with turbine engines.
Other Aviation Fuels
While Jet-A is the most common, other fuels are used in aviation:
- Avgas (Aviation Gasoline): Used in smaller, piston-engine aircraft. Avgas has a lower flash point than Jet-A.
- Jet-B: A blend of kerosene and gasoline, used in colder climates due to its lower freezing point.
