Aviation fuel powers the world’s aircraft, supporting countless commercial, general, and military flights each year. From jet fuel to avgas, this vital resource comes in various grades and compositions, each with specific performance characteristics. In this article, I’ll explore what aviation fuel is, how it’s used, safety issues, and the future of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Quick Navigation to Aviation Fuel
The Basics
Supply
Safety
General Information
What is Aviation Fuel?
What Aviation fuel refers to any fuel used to power airplanes or aeroplanes, primarily Jet A/Jet A-1, Jet B, and aviation gasoline (avgas). The chemical formula, composition, autoignition temperature, and flash point vary depending on the type. These properties are key to ensuring safe engine performance under extreme conditions.
Types of Aviation Fuel Compared
- Jet A/Jet A-1: Widely used in turbine engines. Jet A-1 is common in international operations due to its lower freezing temperature.
- Jet B: A naphtha-kerosene blend suitable for cold climates. It is nearly clear and can be described as straw-colored.
- Avgas (aviation gasoline): Used in small piston-engine aircraft; it contains lead and comes in different colors of aviation fuel (e.g., blue for 100LL).
- Cryogenic Fuels: Including hydrogen fuel, being explored for future emissions-free flights.
- Diesel: An emerging alternative, especially for use in smaller aircraft.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): A type of biofuel made from renewable sources, which aims to reduce carbon emissions.
Sustainable (and Alternative) Aviation Fuels
To reduce carbon emissions, biofuels such as carinata sustainable aviation fuel, non-oil seed crop sustainable aviation fuel, and non-food oilseed sustainable aviation fuel are being developed. These alternative fuels promise lower lifecycle emissions and can even be blended with traditional fuels.
The United States, India, and the EU are investing in SAF research and supply infrastructure. Airlines and FBOs (fixed-base operators) are increasingly participating in carbon offsetting programs.
General Aviation
Nearly every airport offers at least minimal services, primarily fuel. Typically, FBOs service general aviation aircraft. Many pilots rely on AirNav to locate fuel availability and price along with other important information about operations, communication, and runways. For example, in New Smyrna Beach (KEVB), pilots can see there is both Jet A fuel and 100LL avgas available on site.
Epic’s training aircraft run on 100LL because they have spark-ignition piston engines. The “100” indicates the octane rating, and “LL” stands for low lead. It is the most common fuel in general aviation. Fun fact: Manufacturers dye this fuel blue so pilots can tell it apart from other aviation fuel.
If you come across green fuel, that is 100/130 avgas. The octane rating is 100 under lean mixture conditions and 130 under rich mixture conditions.
Aviation Fuel Supply Chain
A robust system supports the global aviation fuel supply, including:
- Brokers and suppliers manage the market.
- Fuel trucks deliver to airports and to aircraft on site.
- Fuel pumps, hoses, and tanks maintain safety.
- Filter systems prevent fuel contamination. These strain fuel for purity.
- Fuel cards and tracking sheets record logistics and taxation.
“Misfueling” or “Wrong Fueling” Accidents
When someone puts the wrong fuel into an aircraft, there is a potential for engine failure and crashes. There are too many of these to list, but we do go over this in pilot training and aircraft mechanic training. Some of these incidents include:
- 2021 – Beechcraft Baron 58: A fueler at the airport did not notice the “avgas only” sticker and fueled with Jet A, resulting in a crash that seriously injured the pilot.
- 2020 – Aero Commander 500 Shrike: An Alaska forestry plane on its way to fight forest fires crashed into a pond after taking off because the fuel vendor put the wrong fuel in. Passing teenagers who saw the crash rescued the four on board. Although the pilot signed the receipt, he did not notice it showed the wrong fuel.
- 2019 – Piper Aerostar 602P: A Tampa surgeon’s plane crashed killing him and his flight instructor because a fueler put Jet A In his plane instead of avgas.
This handful of examples is why we train our linemen at Epic along with our pilots and mechanics to be aware of how easily misfueling can occur. Pilots always check NOTAMs, too, because information can include issues on fuel availability.
“Our motto is ‘Safety First’ at Epic, and this includes how we operate on the ramp as well as in the classrooms and cockpits. We train our line crew members in safety procedures regarding aircraft fuel, and both pilots and aircraft mechanics receive training in fuel safety procedures.” –Josh Rawlins, Chief Operating Officer and Aircraft Mechanic Program Director
The 10 Most Common Reasons for Misfueling
Using the wrong fuel can cause serious engine damage or failure. That’s why FAA regulations, pre-flight inspections, and quality control procedures all emphasize fuel type verification. Sadly, investigators have traced many accidents and near-misses back to this simple but critical step.
These are the most common reasons someone might put the wrong fuel into an aircraft:
1. Miscommunication Between Pilot and Fueler
Verbal instructions may be unclear or misunderstood. Incorrect assumptions may be made without verifying fuel type.
2. Similar Appearance of Aircraft
Fuelers may assume a plane uses a certain type of fuel based on appearance (e.g., assuming all small planes use avgas), especially if aircraft models look alike.
3. Inadequate Labeling
Mistakes are more likely if the fuel caps or tanks aren’t clearly labeled with the required fuel type. If a label is worn or faded, replace it.
4. Use of Similar Fuel Nozzles
Jet fuel and avgas nozzles are sometimes not properly differentiated (though Jet A nozzles are wider by standard). If adapters are used, they can bypass this safeguard.
5. Fuel Truck Error
The wrong truck may pull up to the aircraft, especially at busy FBOs or during shift changes without proper documentation checks.
6. Human Error or Fatigue
Fatigue, distraction, or complacency by ramp personnel can lead to skipped verification steps. Focus for safety!
7. Unfamiliar Aircraft or Procedures
Pilots or ground crew may be unfamiliar with a specific aircraft’s fuel requirements (e.g., rental planes or chartered aircraft), increasing the risk of error.
8. Language Barriers or International Procedures
Although English is the universal language for pilots, that is not the case for ground crews. In non-English-speaking regions or international operations, differences in terminology or labeling can cause confusion.
9. Incorrect Assumptions by New Staff
New fuelers may incorrectly generalize (e.g., assuming all turbine engines use Jet A without checking specifics).
10. Poor Recordkeeping or Lack of SOPs
When pilots or others fail to follow or document proper checklists or refueling protocols, the chance of error increases.
Aviation Fuel Safety and Performance
Aviation fuel must withstand extreme temperature ranges and pressures. The autoignition temperature and flash point are crucial for safety. Jet fuel, for example, burns at very high temperatures, which supports high-speed, high-altitude airplane operations.
Refining processes remove impurities and create consistent grades. Each grade has a unique performance profile, which affects how an aircraft is fueled and serviced.
During every preflight inspection at Epic Flight Academy, pilots take a sample of fuel and inspect it for clarity to make sure it is free of water, sediment, or other debris. If it’s clear, they pour it back into the tank and continue the inspection. If there is any question about the quality, they report their concern, and the plane is sent to the maintenance department.
Burn Temperatures
What temperature does aviation fuel burn at? The burning (combustion) temperature of aviation fuel varies depending on the type, but here are general ranges:
Jet Fuel (e.g., Jet A, Jet A-1)
Burn temperature: Approximately 980°C to 1,500°C (1,796°F to 2,732°F) in a jet engine combustion chamber.
Avgas (Aviation Gasoline, e.g., 100LL)
Burn temperature: Around 2,100°F (≈ 1,150°C) in internal combustion engines.
Related Temperature Points
| Property | Jet A / Jet A-1 | Avgas 100LL |
| Flash point (ignition temp) | ~38°C (100°F) | ~-43°C (-45°F) |
| Autoignition temp | ~210°C (410°F) | ~280°C (536°F) |
Actual burn temperature can vary based on engine design, altitude, fuel-air mixture, and pressure.
Cost and Fuel Efficiency
A common question is how much does aviation fuel cost. Aviation fuel is expensive due to refining, global demand, and tax. Price may be listed per gallon, litre, pound, or unit of energy density. You can use an online fuel calculator to estimate consumption, rate, and carbon emissions.
Fuel additives improve burn efficiency and engine performance. Advanced engines also focus on maximizing fuel efficiency to reduce operating costs.
Certain military aircraft, like the KC-135 Stratotanker or KC-46 Pegasus, are specially designed for aerial refueling, allowing them to transfer fuel to other aircraft mid-flight. These “flying gas stations” extend the range and endurance of combat and transport planes without requiring them to land.
Comparing Aviation Fuel to Gasoline
Is aviation fuel the same as gasoline? Not quite. While avgas shares similarities with automotive fuel, it’s more refined and contains additives to support high-altitude performance. Jet fuels, based on kerosine, are entirely different, optimized for turbine engines.
Avgas 82UL is an unleaded aviation fuel with an octane rating of 82. It’s made for aircraft that can run on lower-octane fuel and is similar to car gasoline. Such aircraft are either approved by the manufacturer to use it or have a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that allows the use of automotive gasoline (mogas) with a specific octane rating.
Aviation Fuel Jobs and Opportunities
The aviation fuel industry supports thousands of jobs in refining, service, supply, and analysis. As emerging technologies take hold, new roles in alternative fuels and SAF development are expanding. Here at Epic, our line crew takes care of refueling aircraft among many related tasks.
Aviation Fuel Video
The Future of Aviation Fuel
Most of us in aviation agree that the future of airplane fuel lies in cleaner, more sustainable sources. With new technologies, increased awareness of carbon emissions, and investments in SAF, the aviation industry is shifting toward a more environmentally responsible model.
Understanding aviation fuel, its types, cost, and use, is key for everyone from pilots and mechanics to passengers concerned about carbon offsetting. As we explore alternative fuels and cutting-edge systems, the evolution of aviation fuel will remain central to the airplane industry’s innovation. As new products emerge, I will circle back and update this article.
